Future Respiratory Therapist Laura Barrera says anything is possible, 'just breathe'.
Student of the Week: Laura Barrera
Working with patients and being able to use the skills taught at South Texas College in order to assist them is the best feeling in the world, according to Laura Barrera.
Originally from Roma, Laura says she is pursuing her degree as a Respiratory Therapist from STC. She said she made the decision to pursue a career in Respiratory Therapy, drawing from experience taking care of her stepfather who suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Oct. 21-27 is National Respiratory Care Week, which recognizes the respiratory care profession and promotes awareness of lung health issues.
Laura says her experience has assisted her as she completes her clinical hours, and as she interacts with patients, she said.
“We were always around respiratory therapists when he would go to the hospital,” she said. “My mom mentioned this to me after I was at first indecisive about what I wanted to be and what career I wanted to pursue.
“As a specialty, we go really in depth with the material, but I really enjoy it,” she said. “At the end of the day, I’m doing something I really enjoy doing.”
Hoping to start her career in a hospital setting, Laura is slated to graduate from STC in May 2019. Following graduation, she intends to pursue a bachelor degree in Respiratory Therapy and enter the workforce at the same time.
Her instructors at STC call her a hard-working, dedicated and dependable student who shows concern for the well-being of her patients during clinical rotations.
“To students, I would just tell them to breathe,” she said. “I know it’s hard, but it’s possible and it’s worth it. If you are really passionate, the work is so worth it. If you see it as a goal, it’s a really good feeling when you see the finish line.”
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“To students, I would just tell them to breathe. I know it’s hard, but it’s possible and it’s worth it. If you are really passionate, the work is so worth it. If you see it as a goal, it’s a really good feeling when you see the finish line.”
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“One of my biggest goals is being close to finishing school.”
“I am also looking forward to getting a job, and just having the opportunity to keep on learning. I want to keep growing.”
“When I do clinicals, I wake up at 5 a.m. and I am busy all day but we are really hands on. We perform CPR, give treatment. It’s so exciting to actually be doing everything a respiratory therapist does.”