Immigrant Stories: Luis Reyes

Born in the diverse and vibrant nation of the USA, where every opportunity felt endless on one hand and yet impossible to grasp on the other, Luis Reyes has had “the privilege of living what all immigrant parents dream of for their children, and that is paving the pathway to freedom.”

His journey was uniquely shaped by the fact both of his parents were immigrants. As he was growing up, his understanding of “feeling safe” evolved beyond its dictionary definition — in addition to the challenges and triumphs of his immigrant heritage, he also faced the personal obstacle of hearing loss at an early age. While he learned to deal with this condition, he did not let him define him. Instead, it became a catalyst for personal growth and inner strength.

He transcended the challenges of being a minority, growing up in poverty, and having a hearing disability to become the first in his family to attend college, graduating with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree. He learned to embrace his unique perspective on the world and found new ways to connect with others, drawing on empathy, resilience, and the power of self-preservation to overcome adversity. Luis joined the Peak Physical Therapy team on Chase Ave in Waterbury in 2023.