By Linda Barcenas Jaquez | Student, Creighton University
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began in the small town of Somerton, Arizona, and will one day culminate in my graduation from Creighton University Health Sciences Campus in Phoenix as a physical therapist.
From there, I plan to provide care in Yuma to serve underserved communities — a significant milestone as the first college graduate in my family.
My journey is part of a broader reality highlighted by Pew Research Center statistics, which show that only 9% of U.S. healthcare practitioners and 7% of physicians and surgeons are Hispanic. These numbers have only strengthened my determination to pursue a career in healthcare.
Through my experiences, I’ve learned important lessons that anyone with big aspirations can relate to:
Understanding your roots strengthens your path forward. Growing up in Somerton, I was fortunate to have the support of dedicated teachers and peers. From an early age, my mother instilled in me the values of compassion, gratitude, and kindness. Though my parents had limited access to education, they imparted invaluable principles, such as perseverance. And it was through my work in the Somerton School District that I discovered my true calling — caring for pediatric patients.
Lean into your natural talents and abilities. Creighton’s relationship with the St. Vincent de Paul clinic, a free clinic for the most vulnerable in our community, has deepened my understanding of how crucial access to healthcare is. As a bilingual student, my second language is invaluable during patient interactions, enabling me to speak with patients in their native tongue and experience their genuine appreciation for the care they receive. Witnessing life-changing moments every day is a gift, whether it’s seeing a patient regain movement after an injury or watching someone make substantial progress that allows them to return to caring for themselves and their families.
Inspiration often comes from those closest to us. My passion for physical therapy began with my cousin's struggle with cerebral palsy in Mexico. While she started physical therapy sessions, she couldn’t complete them or fully benefit due to a lack of access to them. This experience helped fuel my determination to bridge that gap for others.
These life lessons have shaped me into a better person and, more importantly, guided me toward a career in healthcare. They are why I believe that health care accessibility is not just about physical well-being; it is a cornerstone of community growth. Access to care promotes health literacy and fosters healthier neighborhoods.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I am both that small-town girl from Somerton and a future health care provider. I carry with me the strength of my heritage, the support of my community and life lessons that resonate with anyone.
This month, let us recognize the work that remains in making quality health care accessible to everyone. It takes all of us together to build healthier, stronger communities.
The sign on the doors of the St. Vincent de Paul clinic perfectly captures this sentiment: "We are one family." I couldn’t agree more.
Editor’s note: Linda Barcenas Jaquez, 29, is a member of Creighton University’s Class of 2026, pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.
