A Latina perspective on Occupational Therapy

For Jennifer Perez, a career in healthcare is closely tied to the family and culture that shaped her.

A Miami native and daughter of Puerto Rican and Cuban parents, Perez is pursuing an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree at Keiser University’s Miami Campus. As a member of the Class of 2027, she is preparing for a career shaped by two generations of her family: her parents, who taught her perseverance, and her son, whose experience with autism introduced her to occupational therapy.

Her mother grew up in Union City, New Jersey, while her father was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the United States during the 1980s Mariel boatlift. Perez has lived in the same Miami home since birth, but her family history connects her to experiences far beyond the city where she was raised.

“Growing up with both Puerto Rican and Cuban roots has played an important role in shaping who I am today. I am very proud of my Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage. To me, being Latina means being connected to a culture centered on family, strength, resilience, hard work, and supporting one another. My heritage reminds me of where I come from, everything my family has overcome, and the sacrifices that were made to give me the opportunities I have today.”

Those lessons have also shaped the way Perez approaches challenges. Her parents encouraged her to pursue her goals even when the path was difficult, instilling a perseverance she now applies to her education.

“My parents taught me the importance of family, perseverance, and chasing my dreams, no matter how big or small they may seem. They always encouraged me to believe in myself and continue moving forward, even when the path was difficult. Those lessons have shaped me into someone who works hard, cares deeply for others, and refuses to give up on the future I want for myself and my son.”

Choosing a career in Occupational Therapy

Perez did not initially set out to build a career in occupational therapy. Her path changed through her son’s experience with autism and therapy.

“My son, who has autism, was the fire that drove me toward this career. Through his journey, I saw firsthand the difference that therapy can make, not only in a child’s life but also in the life of the entire family. He opened doors for me that I never knew were possible and helped me discover a passion and purpose within myself. After seeing the positive impact occupational therapy had on our lives, I knew I wanted to provide that same hope and support to other families going through similar experiences.”

That experience continues to influence what she finds meaningful about the profession.

“What interests me most about occupational therapy is that it looks at the whole person, not only a diagnosis or limitation. Occupational therapy helps people participate in the activities that give their lives meaning, whether that means learning a new skill, becoming more independent, returning to a favorite activity, or simply feeling confident again. I love that this profession allows me to be creative, compassionate, and encouraging while making a real difference in someone’s daily life.”

The perspective she developed as a mother now shapes how she thinks about her future role in healthcare: not only helping patients develop skills and independence, but also supporting the families involved in that process.

Studying Occupational Therapy at Keiser University

Perez selected Keiser University for its career-focused approach and opportunities to connect classroom learning with practical experience.

“I was attracted to Keiser University because of its career-focused approach, hands-on learning opportunities, and the support offered to students. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program gave me the opportunity to work toward a meaningful healthcare career while remaining close to my family in Miami. I also appreciated that the program would prepare me through classroom instruction, practical experiences, and fieldwork in different settings and with different populations.”

Her fieldwork has broadened her professional interests beyond the population that first introduced her to occupational therapy.

Her experience with her son naturally drew her toward pediatric care, particularly working with children with special needs. But fieldwork with older adults introduced her to another population she hopes to serve.

“During fieldwork, I also discovered that I have a huge soft spot for older adults. I loved making connections with them, encouraging them, and giving them a reason to keep going and continue pushing themselves. Being able to brighten their day and help them regain independence lit something inside me. Working with that population felt natural and right. My goal is to continue learning and eventually find opportunities that allow me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of both children and older adults.”

Her professional goals now encompass both life stages.

“After graduating, I would love to work with both pediatric and geriatric populations. Children, especially those with special needs, have always held a special place in my heart. I want to help children develop skills, gain independence, and reach their full potential while also supporting their families throughout the process.”

Latina representation can build trust in Healthcare

Perez also sees her future career through another lens: representation.

As a bilingual Latina with Puerto Rican and Cuban roots, she hopes her cultural background will help her connect with patients and families while contributing to a healthcare environment where people feel understood.

“Pursuing a healthcare career as a Latina is an honor and a responsibility. It means representing my culture with pride while becoming someone patients and families can trust and relate to. I understand how important it is for people to feel heard, respected, and understood, especially when they are experiencing a difficult or uncertain time. I hope to use my education, compassion, cultural background, and bilingual abilities to make patients and families feel more comfortable and supported.”

For Perez, Hispanic representation also affects communication and participation in care.

“Hispanic representation in healthcare is important because patients deserve to see professionals who understand their language, culture, values, and family dynamics. When people feel represented, they may feel more comfortable communicating their needs, asking questions, and participating in their care. Representation can help build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and show younger Hispanic students that they also belong in healthcare careers.”

She believes those cultural experiences can also become strengths for Hispanic students entering healthcare.

“Hispanic students can bring resilience, empathy, adaptability, and a strong appreciation for family-centered care. Many of us grow up understanding the importance of helping and caring for our relatives, especially children and older adults. We can use those experiences to connect with patients and recognize how family, culture, and community can influence health and recovery. Our bilingual and multicultural perspectives can also help create a more inclusive healthcare environment.”

For Perez, those qualities connect directly to how she was raised and the type of Occupational Therapy Assistant she hopes to become.

Family support helps her balance motherhood and College

The same family-centered values that influence Perez’s approach to healthcare have also shaped her education.

Balancing school, motherhood, and her professional goals has required her to accept help from the people around her—something she says has not always come naturally.

“One of my greatest challenges has been learning to depend on my family for support while completing school. I have always considered myself a leader and someone who handles things independently, so having to be patient and accept help has not always been easy. I remind myself that pursuing this degree is a step in the right direction and that the struggle is only temporary. My family keeps me grounded and supports me while I work toward building a better future for myself and my son. Whenever things become difficult, I remember the reason I started.”

Her experience has also changed how she views asking for help and navigating difficult periods of her education.

“I would tell myself to be patient and trust the process. I would remind myself that asking for and accepting help does not make me weak. It takes strength to continue showing up, especially when life feels difficult. I would also tell myself that every late night, sacrifice, and stressful moment will bring me one step closer to the life I am working so hard to create. Most importantly, I would tell myself: You are capable, you belong here, and you are going to make yourself and your family proud.”

The lesson reflects one of the central themes of Perez’s story: family’s role is not limited to the past. It continues to shape the future she is working to create.

Her father’s legacy remains part of her journey

Perez’s pursuit of a healthcare degree is also connected to her father’s memory and the sacrifices that shaped her family.

“My father passed away in 2016, and I know he would have been incredibly proud to see how far I have come. He and my mother shaped me into the person I am today by teaching me to work hard and pursue my dreams. Although my father is no longer physically here to celebrate this journey with me, I carry his love, sacrifices, and encouragement with me every step of the way.”

His story as a Cuban immigrant is part of the family history Perez carries with her as she moves forward in her own professional journey.

That connection gives added meaning to her achievement as the first person in her family to complete a formal degree in the medical field.

“I am the first person in my family to complete a formal degree in the medical field. This accomplishment is especially meaningful to me because it represents not only my own hard work, but also the sacrifices and encouragement of my entire family.”

Building a healthcare career rooted in family and heritage

Perez’s path to occupational therapy began with her son, but the values guiding that path were shaped long before she entered the program.

Her Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage taught her the importance of family and perseverance. Her parents’ example shaped how she approached challenges. Her son’s experience introduced her to occupational therapy. And her education at Keiser University is helping her turn those experiences into a future in healthcare.

“My son is also at the heart of everything I do. What began as my desire to understand and support him grew into a calling to help other children, adults, and families. This journey has taught me that sometimes our greatest challenges can guide us toward our greatest purpose. Earning this degree is not only a personal accomplishment; it is a way to honor my parents, create a better future for my son, and become the kind of healthcare professional who makes people feel seen, supported, and hopeful.”

As she works toward completing the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Perez is carrying her family’s story into a profession where she hopes her cultural background, bilingual abilities, and experience as a mother will help her connect with the patients and families she serves.

Keiser University is a private, independent, nonprofit university serving approximately 20,000 students across 19 Florida campuses, online, and at two international locations. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, the University offers more than 100 degree programs from the associate to doctoral level. Keiser University is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and was ranked No. 6 in the nation for Social Mobility in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings.