Nursing major Richard Perez is one of Roosevelt’s many forward-thinking students who has already secured a position in his chosen field of study following graduation. A dedicated husband and father, Perez has spent the last eight years working as an emergency medical technician (EMT). Richard’s hands-on experience in the medical field helped him to realize his true passion of working in the ER.
In 2021, the Chicago native made the decision to join the University’s nursing program, and was immediately awestruck by the campus. One of his earliest memories was arriving on campus after orientation. Once he arrived, he was greeted by an orientation counselor, who Perez says immediately made him feel welcomed. The guide showed him around the historic Auditorium Building, and the view of Lake Michigan combined with the warm greeting from his counselor confirmed for Perez that Roosevelt was the place he needed to be.
Over the last three years, Perez has shown tremendous resilience as a full-time student, EMT and family man. For this remarkable balancing act, he credits his knowledgeable professors like Sophia Bowerman, as well as the members of his supportive cohort. While he is set to graduate this spring, Richard Perez has also been participating clinicals at a community hospital emergency room, a fast-paced environment where he has been learning the hands-on skills of patient management. Upon graduation, Perez will fulfill his dream of becoming a fulltime ER nurse, a calling he’s eager to assume. Perez believes that it is a privilege to be able to be there for people on their worst day, and he credits his time at Roosevelt as preparing him for the job. Richard Perez’s story is one of determination, stamina and resilience.
