A local teen’s newly published book offers valuable insights and the keys to a more purpose-driven life.
Rodrigo Deleon Ruiz’s book, “Fortitude,” was published on Oct. 2. Ruiz was inspired to write “Fortitude” after experiencing anxiety and loneliness during the pandemic. He wanted to help other teens learn how to overcome their struggles and grow in confidence.
Ruiz said that after his teacher emailed his mother, saying that she was concerned about him, his mom spoke with him, and he realized that change would be necessary.
He began studying books on self-help, philosophy and sociology. He wrote extensive notes and began applying what he learned to his life. He became happier and purpose driven. This sparked his interest in writing a book to help other teens.
Ruiz acknowledged that teens are more likely to listen to their peers than to adults.
“It’s one thing for an adult to lecture you; it’s another thing for a peer to share his experience and what did and didn’t work for him,” Ruiz said. “Every chapter tells a story of my struggles, how I managed to figure my way out of it and how other kids can take inspiration from what I did.”
He advises teens on how to live a purpose-driven life.
“Far too many of my own peers had struggles that hit too close to home,” he said. “Whenever I would eagerly suggest that they read any of the books I read, they would always tell me the same thing: ‘What is some old guy going to tell me that my parents and teachers don’t?’”
Ruiz said there were a lot of things that he could have learned earlier if he had listened to his mom. Adults have a lot of wisdom to offer, but still, teens are more likely to trust their peers.
“Kids often learn better when other kids relay information to them, and that’s what inspired me to write the book,” he said. “I was sharing my experience of having learned, the hard way, that the adults in my life were right, in a way they could understand, because I’m still a kid myself.”
When asked what advice he would give to teens who are trying to overcome challenges, Ruiz suggested going a full week without a phone or the internet. Technology can be helpful, but most of the time, it can be very distracting.
“It often numbs us to the solutions that are right in front of us and makes us more afraid of taking the steps towards accessible paths to betterment,” Ruiz explained. He said he learned a lot by “going off the grid” and that distractions tend to block self-improvement. He learned that life is more exciting without a screen constantly in-hand.
Ruiz worked on writing for one hour a day for eight months and then rewrote the draft for another eight months. His desire to help other kids going through rough times motivated him to write during the lengthy process.
“I always looked forward to sitting down and getting closer to helping at least one kid who was going through a rough time,” Ruiz said.
Writing has kept him busy, but in his free time, Ruiz enjoys reading, talking with people, competing in debate tournaments, listening to podcasts and practicing the violin.
Ruiz shared what’s next for him and his book.
“I hope to get this book into the hands of as many people as possible,” he said. “If there is any literary event within a 30-mile radius, you can bet I’ll be there. I would love to have the opportunity to speak in churches, schools and public libraries as well, and have the chance to talk to as many parents and kids as possible.”
Additionally, he does book signings at local bookstores and hopes to do signings at some big-name ones in the future as well. He hopes to speak to more of the press and to inspire more youth through “Fortitude.”
Learn more at www.rodrigodeleonruiz.com and on his Instagram @rodrigodeleonruiz.
