Q) What does Hispanic Heritage Month and National HSI Week mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder of all the contributions my community has done for America. It is a reminder of the struggle my parents made when they had to come to the United States looking for a better life for their family even though it meant leaving family behind. It also reminds me of my roots and where I come from.
Q) How do you feel like you impact the Hispanic community with the work you are doing?
As a Hispanic, I like to show my community that we are not only good as labor workers, but we can also work in jobs that require critical thinking. For example, as a Respiratory Therapist and Vascular Access Specialist, I need to use my critical thinking skills due to working in an acute care environment. Even though my job is not very physical it comes with great challenges when the patient's life is in jeopardy.
Q) How has your Hispanic heritage or culture shaped your life and who you are?
Coming from a Hispanic family I was taught to always put family first in anything that I do, to never give up and follow my dreams regardless of how hard they seem. My parents taught me manners, which is something that has been lost even with people with PhDs. I was always taught to open doors, say thank you and greet people. My parents instilled the need to always help anyone who is in need regardless of their skin color or beliefs.
Q) What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
I believe my hardest challenge was after graduating high school and not going directly to college. I was bouncing from different jobs until one day I decided to enroll in college and finish a career in the medical field. It was twice as hard going back to school with a full time job and having to be a parent, husband and student. Thankfully I have a great wife who was my biggest cheerleader and support system.
Q) What is something you feel people should be more aware of?
My main goal is for people to understand that the Hispanic Community are not all bad people and that most of us are here to improve ourselves and to be able to provide a better future for our families. I would like people to know that Hispanics are in this country contributing to the community, the economy and not trying to live on welfare and be a burden to this country.
Q) What advice would you give to Hispanic students currently enrolled in the same program that you were in?
My advice to the students would be to work hard, don't give up and have passion in what you are doing because without passion your future in the medical field will be very difficult. There will be times that you might feel you can't handle the stress due to different levels of understanding because for a lot of Hispanics, English is our second language. Remember to do everything with a smile in your face and a smile in your hearts.
I would like to add that a lot of Hispanics speak Spanish fluently, but are ashamed for others to know this of us. Let me tell you that this is a great tool to have and that you should not be ashamed you should embrace this skill because it will be very beneficial and will open doors in your career.