Sieperda overcomes hardships to earn degree at MSU Texas
Kimberly Sieperda entertained desires to be in the medical field for as long as she can remember. Her father was an EMT, inspiring her as a kid to want to help people the way he did.
Sieperda is doing just that. She earned her bachelor’s degree in respiratory care in December from MSU Texas.
Every graduate walks a unique path to reach the graduation stage, and that was certainly true of her. Sieperda is 44, a wife and a mother.
“I can say I am very proud of myself, but I would not be where I am without God and the husband he has given me now, and all my girls and my dad,” she said.
After high school in Gatesville, Sieperda worked at the local hospital as a dispatcher for the ambulance service. She got interested in respiratory care after talking to the respiratory therapy director in a hospital.
But continuing her education wasn’t realistic at that time.
“My parents didn’t go to college and couldn’t afford to send us, so I went to a school through the online/mail,” Sieperda said.
She said it was difficult to teach herself online, but she earned her Certified Respiratory Therapist license and began working. She also got married and started a family.
But that desire to obtain her Registered Respiratory Therapist credentials didn’t burn out even when personal tragedy struck.
“Fast forward 14 years later, my husband gets sick and passes away within less than one month of us finding out,” Sieperda said.
“I am left with three girls, ages 7, 10 and 11 in the year 2014. That particular year, the job openings only wanted those with RRT not CRT,” she said.
Sieperda thought to herself, what could she do? She searched and found the Weatherford College Respiratory Program and applied.
She completed the entire program so she could “learn it all again and be a better therapist.”
Sieperda graduated, took her state boards and became an RRT. Then she decided to continue at Midwestern State University to earn her bachelor’s degree.
“I wanted to show my girls you can set out to do anything you set your mind to, at any age, even after a devastating situation has occurred,” she said. “And that is exactly what each one of them has told me at different times.”
The education mission is complete. But Sieperda's mission continues.
“My goals after graduation are to help any patient or family member at least once a day, even if it’s just a smile, and turn their life around,” she said.
“My tip for future students is don’t ever think you know it all because, in that very moment, you know nothing!” Sieperda said.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: MSU Texas student overcomes obstacles to earn degree
