Alumni Highlight - Libby Perkins

Libby Perkins

  • Name: Libby Perkins

  • Graduating high school: Delta Academy, Marks, MS

  • Academic degree(s): Associate of Science in Respiratory Care

  • Credential(s): RRT

  • Graduation year (RT program): 2013

  • Place of employment: Panola Medical Center: Director of Respiratory

  • How do you feel about your career choice as a respiratory therapist and why? My confidence in choosing a career as a respiratory therapist is overwhelming. The gratification from my job is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. This career is a first line response to saving a life. Who wouldn’t want to be part of something so special?

  • What influenced your decision to choose Coahoma Community College to pursue your academic/professional goals? The location of Coahoma Community College played a major part in choosing this school for my education. It allowed me to obtain the education needed to succeed, but within the comfort of being close to home.

  • How well did the Respiratory Care Program prepared you for entering the local and national healthcare workforce? The Respiratory Care Program at CCC prepared me beyond my expectations for the workforce in healthcare. The combination of clinical experience in major hospitals with in-class lecture was exactly what I needed to perform to the best of my ability.

  • Name one meaningful experience during your time in the respiratory care program. I hate to choose just one experience. My entire time in the program was a meaningful experience. Each day was a new challenge that brought education and skills that I have carried with me to perform my job each day.

  • How has the recent pandemic affected the field of respiratory care? Alternatively, why do you think Respiratory Care professionals are so needed at this time? The Covid-19 pandemic put Respiratory Therapist at the forefront of patient care. It brought national attention to our career choice. We, as Respiratory Therapist, know how important we are but for other people to now see what we bring to the table was a game changer for this profession.

  • Has graduating from specifically, the CCC Respiratory Care Program changed your future? If so how? Choosing a career in Respiratory Care was a positive step in the direction of moving forward in the next stage of my life. This choice has led me to a consistent career with the ability to keep moving up the healthcare ladder.

  • What advice would you give to any individual interested in respiratory care in your hometown or high school? Utilize the resources that are available near you. Coahoma Community College has so much to offer right at home. The personalized time you receive from this small program is exactly what will put you in the forefront of knowledge in the respiratory care field.

  • What are your feelings about this year's respiratory care week theme, "Respiratory Therapists: Resilience, Strength, Hope"? Each respiratory therapist you meet will bring something special to the table, but resilience, strength , and hope will be found in every single of us.

  • If you would like to say any kind words about anyone that played a significant role in you accomplishing your RT goals, please take this opportunity to do so. My dad, Randy Perkins, has played a significant role in me accomplishing my RT goals and dreams. He holds me to the highest expectations each day by letting me know that I can always do better than what I did the day before. A valuable lesson I have learned is that if you want something, go get it! Work hard and make a name for yourself. Never sit idle because there is always something to learn.