My name is Tanya Valdenea. I’m a first-generation Latina currently attending Eastern Washington University (EWU) and will be graduating with a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) in May 2025. I grew up in Mattawa, Washington, a farming community that is primarily Latino. For more than 25 years, both of my parents have worked in agriculture, and I have witnessed firsthand how physically demanding their jobs are. Since my family did not have the opportunities nor privilege to attend college, they place a high priority on education. My parents have encouraged and supported me to pursue my desired career.
My long-term professional goal is to use my knowledge as an occupational therapist (OT) to serve the Latino community. After earning my degree, I want to work as a hand therapist. The number of injuries occurring in agriculture settings are unavoidable. Treating work injuries interests me since I have seen how challenging recovery can be. Additionally, I’m fluent in both Spanish and English and hope that this will allow me to provide personalized care for non-English speaking patients.