Returning to college as a non-traditional student is never easy. For Kristi Perkins, earning a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology was about more than reaching a personal goal—it was about creating a better future for her family while building a career dedicated to helping others.
After already earning an associate degree, Kristi made the courageous decision to return to college and pursue a career in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) at Southern WV Community & Technical College.
The journey was anything but easy.
As a mother of three daughters, Kristi continued homeschooling her children while balancing the demands of college, family life, and her husband’s significant medical challenges. Despite the obstacles, she remained committed to her education and her goal of becoming a medical laboratory technician.
At Southern, Kristi completed demanding science courses, challenging laboratory assignments, and extensive clinical training. Along the way, she became known not only for her determination but also for the support she provided to her classmates.
“She was always willing to encourage others, share her knowledge, and help her classmates succeed,” said Christy Spry, Assistant Professor and Director of Southern’s Medical Laboratory Technology program. “Her kindness, compassion, and willingness to serve made a lasting impression.”
Kristi’s excellence extended beyond the classroom. She earned the Clinical Excellence Award for Southern’s MLT Class of 2025, an honor presented to the student with the highest overall average on clinical evaluations.
The recognition reflected her exceptional performance during her clinical experience, and the comments from her clinical preceptors were a testament to her achievements, professionalism, and outstanding work ethic.
In 2025, Kristi proudly graduated from Southern’s MLT program and began the next chapter of her journey. Today, she is employed as a Medical Laboratory Technician at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC).
Her work plays an important role in patient care. Medical laboratory professionals work behind the scenes to analyze specimens and provide accurate laboratory results that help physicians diagnose and treat patients.
While patients may not always meet the professionals working in the laboratory, their work has a direct impact on countless lives.
For Kristi, her Southern experience has provided more than a degree—it has opened the door to a meaningful career while allowing her to provide for her family and serve others.
Her story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t measured by the absence of challenges, but by the determination to keep moving forward despite them.
Kristi’s journey also demonstrates the difference a community college can make for students balancing education with work and family responsibilities. Affordable tuition, supportive faculty, smaller class sizes, and the opportunity to pursue a high-quality education close to home can help make college achievable for students who may otherwise believe returning to school isn’t possible.
Kristi didn’t let life’s challenges stop her from pursuing her dream. She kept moving forward—and today, she’s making a difference in the lives of others.
Southern is proud to call Kristi a graduate and to celebrate her success as she continues building a career in healthcare.
Your Future Starts Here.