Who is Reuben James?

Failure to Passion

Hi, I'm Reuben James Soriano, though most people call me RJ. I graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University, specializing in User Experience Design (UX).

Even before college, I always felt a strong creative spark, but I wasn’t sure how to channel it or where it might lead. In high school, I developed a keen interest in marketing, which, combined with my desire to help businesses through creativity, led me to pursue a degree in Business Technology Management at Wilfrid Laurier University - Brantford. However, during my first year, I realized that the program’s focus on finance didn’t align with my interests, leading to academic struggles and a temporary setback.

Yes, I faced failure and had to step back from my program after that challenging first year. But this adversity turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Taking a year off for reflection, I stumbled upon a UX class—Design Trends—that changed my trajectory. What started as an interest in designing apps and websites grew into a passion for creating inclusive, diverse, and accessible user experiences.

Mentors like Dr. Stephen Fernandez, Dr. Abby Goodrum, and Dr. Umair Rehman played a crucial role in guiding me through this transformation. Their wisdom helped me discover a path that truly resonated with me. So, in my second year, I took a leap of faith and shifted to UX design, a decision that has brought me immense satisfaction and excitement for what lies ahead in my career.

What can you expect from me? You can count on a designer who not only brings creativity and innovation to the table but also a deep commitment to crafting user experiences that are inclusive, diverse, and accessible. My journey, marked by resilience and growth, has equipped me with a unique perspective and a relentless drive to make a meaningful impact in the world of UX design.