This week The Goldbox Spotlight is Ashley Henderson . I met her when she would come over to study and hang out with my roommate Derrick, we had several good conversations & she was even a co-host on “The Goldbox Podcast” for several episodes. Now after graduating from Prairie View A&M University she is pursuing becoming a doctor in the Medical Center in Houston. Enjoy & thanks for your time!
What is the best advice you can give to someone starting out?
Never underestimate or under appreciate the value of the process! People are often excited about their highs and devastated by their lows that they downplay the in between. The in between/process is key to your whole story. Your growth comes from the process and therefore shouldn’t be rush. Understand that what you may want you may not be ready for. Timing is everything, it can’t be bought and it can’t be rushed. There is no thing as down time & your priorities may not be aligned properly. You should move and think as if your next breath is our last. Don’t dwell on where you want to be but instead focus on becoming the person you need to be in order to go where you want to go. Focus on yourself. Who are you and why? The process navigating us to our success should be considered the foundation. Don’t be in a rush to lay down the cement on an unleveled slope.
What things inspire your process?
I think greater than me. I don’t believe that my presence is for my enjoyment. I am here to serve others and contribute to society. Someone fought so that I could have the opportunities that I have now. I’m not inspired I’m motivated and driven to make the efforts put forth by my ancestors count. I have the ability to think and move freely. I challenge myself to pursue the impossible so that one day someone may come behind me and say this is easy and I can do it! I’m needed by people who haven’t even entered into the world. My impact matters more than any worldly desires. My steps aren’t for me but for those who don’t have the courage, strength, or ability to step. My success is our success. Success for those who have been oppressed, excluded, belittled, & doubted.
Who are three people you look up to or inspire you?
I’m not inspired by people but rather the gestures people commit. Those who trust, give, & serve unconditionally. The world and the people in it are constantly evolving and sometimes not in great ways. Sometimes the harsh ways of the world forces the suppression of kindness as a defense mechanism. Only the strong and genuine people remain and consistently strive to exist for the betterment of others while being beat upon. It’s very challenging to stay committed to something that isn’t committed to you or understand your value. Only the wise power through and understand that the picture is larger than their satisfaction and desire for acknowledgment. Honest, service, and compassion will always win in my book. Those are the principles that challenges me to press forward on my mission.
