Q) What does Hispanic Heritage Month and National HSI Week mean to you?
It is a time to admire and celebrate my culture as Hispanic. Also, it is a time to recognize the heroes that helped my country gain their freedom from Spain.
Q) How do you feel like you impact the Hispanic community with the work you are doing?
I feel like being bilingual helps my patients feel more comfortable and ensures I would provide the best care possible for their needs. By having someone that understands their language and culture, it creates a home environment for them.
Q) How has your Hispanic heritage or culture shaped your life and who you are?
Growing up Hispanic, family values always came first. I believe that has helped me be compassionate and treat my patients as if they were a family member. I remember growing up in Mexico, my mother taught me that no matter the situation, always try to be kind.
Q) What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
I had several. The most recent one was when I thought I would not be able to finish school. I was trying to get back on my feet after my divorce, and I was dealing with lawyers’ cost, a lack of income and paying out of state tuition. I am very grateful for the helped I received during that time from friends and family.
Q) What is something you feel people should be more aware of?
The impact Hispanics, dreamers and immigrants make in our community and everyday life. Especially during the pandemic we are currently in. Thank you to all the agricultural workers, janitors and all the Latinos in the health care field.
Q) What advice would you give to Hispanic students currently enrolled in the same program that you were in?
The PTA program at GateWay is amazing and affordable. Peter Zawicki has done a marvelous job with the program. The field is very rewarding and flexible to work in different settings. Our community needs more PTA's to create more awareness of the importance of staying active and enhance health habits in the Hispanic community. On several occasions, I have seen Hispanic families lack the knowledge about the benefits of physical therapy. Therefore, they get poor to “Nada” of results after situations such as experiencing a stroke.
I want to say thank you for recognizing National HSI Week and Hispanic Heritage Month. Community colleges here in Phoenix help make dreams like mine to happen.