Outstanding Students

Jordan Perez

Q: Where are you from? (city, state) 

A: Elmhurst, Illinois 

 Q: Why did you choose Kirkwood? 

A: I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in health and human physiology and have dreamt of pursuing a career in healthcare.  I had taken courses at Kirkwood previously and admired the atmosphere, so I decided Kirkwood would be a good fit for me to pursue a second degree. 

Q: What is your major and how did you choose it? 

A: Respiratory Therapy.  I knew I wanted to work in healthcare and researched many options that would align with my career goals and aspirations. Respiratory Therapy stood out to me as an essential career where we are the frontline workers in the management of the cardiopulmonary status of patients. 

 Q: What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood?  

A: I am proud of being on the dean’s list every semester while at Kirkwood, but helping patients during clinical hours has been even better. The hands-on experience has been very beneficial for me, and knowing that I helped others has been the most rewarding. 

Q: What are your plans after Kirkwood? 

A: I have graciously accepted the position as a Respiratory Care Practitioner at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA and will be starting in June 2021 after graduation.  

Q: What inspires or motivates you? 

A: Striving to be the best version of myself to help achieve my career goals.  

Q: Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood – hobbies, family, other interests, etc. 

A: Outside of Kirkwood I enjoy spending time with family and friends, activities outdoors, bartending on the weekends and hanging out at home with my boyfriend and German shepherd puppy. 
 
Q: What does be named an Outstanding Student mean to you? 

A: Being named an outstanding student means that all of my hard work has paid off. I’m so grateful to be recognized for the time that I put in to studying, homework, and clinicals. I didn’t know what career I wanted to pursue before Kirkwood, but now I know that I found the right one, and I’m thankful to Kirkwood for the opportunity and this award. 

Categories: Outstanding Students

1 reply »

  1. Congratulations Jordan! It has been an honor to be part of your educational journey and to soon call you a colleague in the profession of Respiratory Therapy! You have worked hard and your future is set for success because of that. I know you will shine!