Q&A: UTSA grad Isaiah Henderson takes his love of learning to the next level

DECEMBER 21, 2023 — No more classes: Check.

No more books: Check.

No more learning: Not so fast.

“A lot of people, they finish school and they’re thinking, ‘Ah! No more learning,’” said Isaiah Henderson ’23, who crossed the stage as a summa cum laude earlier this month to receive his Bachelor of Business Administration in actuarial science, “I’m still learning.”

Henderson’s current learning opportunity is courtesy of Jackson Hewitt, where he is working as a tax preparer and learning about the myriad of tax laws, which change frequently.

“My advice for fellow roadrunners would be to never stop learning. The more we comprehend about the world, the richer our interactions become which can lead to the discovery of new ideas.”

A self-proclaimed military brat, Henderson was born in Italy. From Italy, the family moved to Philadelphia, then to Georgia and California and finally to Texas.

That experience “opened my eyes to accepting people from all over the globe,” he said. “It also helped me get out of my shell. Each time I had to move, I had to meet new people. I couldn’t get too comfortable. I had to constantly adapt.”

The frequent moves also provided Henderson with a second chance at getting a degree, after a lackluster start at the University of California at Riverside, where he says, “I didn’t do too well.”

Upon his family’s move to San Antonio, Henderson began his college career again — first at Northwest Vista College and then as a transfer student at UTSA.

UTSA Today spoke with Henderson to learn more about his time at UTSA and what lies ahead.

The following story has been edited for length and clarity.

Tell us about the person who was most influential in your educational journey.

IH: Throughout my time at UTSA, I had several professors that impacted my life. Professor Ronald Sweet taught me in my life-insurance class and I respected his approach to teaching, which involved very interactive lectures. He would often ask for participation and his exams were challenging but rewarding. His expertise inspired me to master my actuarial craft. 

Another influential person was Professor Anuradha Roy. I had her for mathematical statistics. She was a strict teacher with a passion for statistics and failed me in her class. This was the only class I failed at UTSA, which obviously upset me. However, she told me that she knew I could do better and somehow, I knew she was right. She taught me more about myself than about statistics and I thank her for that. 

The greatest influence in my educational journey was Dr. Jerome Keating. He and I connected outside of class, and it was evident that he wanted to help all his students succeed.

One quote from him that resonated with me was when he said, “‘College isn’t about teaching you everything; it’s about teaching you how to teach yourself and always stay curious.’” 

What advice do you have for fellow Roadrunners?

IH: My advice for fellow roadrunners would be to never stop learning. The more we comprehend about the world, the richer our interactions become which can lead to the discovery of new ideas.  If you stop learning, you stop growing and then you’re left in the dust.

I would also add that future students should have specific goals that are obtainable. With these goals, whatever they may be, try to break them down into smaller tasks. Seeing yourself make progress toward that goal will bolster your confidence as well as help you measure your progress. These goals will remind you why you wake up every morning and why you’re at UTSA. Your next adventure waits, and UTSA is the steppingstone. 

What’s your next big adventure?

IH: I aim to contribute my skills and expertise at prestigious organizations, where I can make a lasting impact and assist many people for years to come. My ultimate goal is to be an actuary at USAA. My dad served in the Army as a recruiter for 25 years, so I’m already aligned with the military-based background. After my actuarial exams, I want to go over (to USAA), get a job and stay there. 

— Tricia Lynn Silva