Jeanette Barajas, MS OTR/L
What is your passion and area of practice in OT?
I’m passionate about working with the neuro population. I find the brain fascinating! I love that it allows me to get creative and keeps me on my toes because nothing ever looks identical in the neuro world. From kids to older adults, there are so many neuro conditions that OTs can work with.
What is your cultural or racial background? How does this influence you as a person and/or as an OT?
My parents are both originally from Mexico. I was born and raised in Southern California. I grew up seeing so many of our family and friends, even my parents, driving down to border cities in Mexico to receive affordable health services in their language. I was translating and interpreting medical information for my parents since I was 6 years old. That experience alone pushed me to pursue a profession that would help those populations that are so easily dismissed or overlooked. My background allows me to make deeper connections with some of my patients. Not only because I can speak and understand 100% of what they are saying, but because I can relate to some of their experiences and cultural traditions, which comes in handy when it comes to establishing goals with patient input. I had a patient in her early 50’s that had a stroke. While other therapists were concerned with her ability to get dressed, all she wanted to make sure she could do was either sit or stand to make handmade tortillas for her family. Not everyone recognizes that as important because people can always be discharged with assistance for meal-prep…but I grew up watching my mom, tias, and abuelita cooking and know that cooking is easily one of the top 3 things on the priority list.
What is it like being a minority in this profession as a male? Any advice for minority students pursuing a career in occupational therapy?
Being a minority in this profession can be daunting. I find myself having a difficult time relating to some OTs, and other healthcare professionals in general. Honestly, during my first job, some people didn’t even know I was the OT, they thought I worked in a different department (housekeeping, CNA), which there is nothing wrong with it. It just goes to show what position people assume you may have simply because of your appearance or by the last name on your badge. And for those that did know I was an OT, they didn’t even know I spoke Spanish or that I am Mexican.
One interesting fact about you:
My all-time favorite movie is Jurassic Park and I love dinosaurs! My favorite dinosaur is the apatosaurus…I actually named my German shepherd Littlefoot after the dinosaur in The Land Before Time.
Where can we connect with you online?
IG Handle: @jeanette.otr
Blog: https://opportuneot.wordpress.com
