Alumni Profile: Izhar Buendia, Class of 2014
When did you graduate, and what was your major?
May 2014, BA in Communication
Why did you choose Henderson?
I chose Henderson because of its affordability. I didn't realize there was more in store for me than just an affordable education.
Who were your best friends while attending Henderson, and are you still friends with them today?
I spent time with a lot of people while at HSU and am still connected to several of them. I have been a groomsmen for one friend and went to the same graduate school with another.
Who were your favorite professors?
Although one of my toughest classes, I really appreciated Angela Boswell's high bar for her history students. I also enjoyed Dr. Duncan's Professional Communication and Rhetorical Theory classes.
What is your current occupation?
I design experiences between humans and computers for a cloud technology company in San Francisco.
How did Henderson prepare you for your career?
HSU gave me the opportunity to explore and adapt my education into a new non-traditional career path through supportive student programs, staff, and faculty.
What is your favorite memory of Henderson?
I have so many! I enjoyed the late night trips to Waffle House with friends.
When’s the last time you have been on the Henderson campus?
I was on campus giving a talk in September 2019.
What other job do you think you’d be really good at?
A professional musician
How do you relax after a hard day of work?
Watch a TV show
Who do you admire the most, and why?
People who are audaciously themselves because it's not always easy to be vulnerable
What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years.
I don't know what I will accomplish in 10 years, but I am excited for what the future holds.
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?
Travel internationally
What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
Accepting uncertainty
What are three interesting facts about you?
1. Traveled to 40 countries across 6 continents 2. Lived and worked in all four regions of the US: northeast, midwest, south, and west. I play the piano, saxophone, and guitar among other instruments
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
Never Settle
If you could make one rule that everyone had to follow, what would it be?
Judge Less, Listen More