Editor's note: This story is part of a series profiling exceptional members of Penn State Schuylkill’s graduating class. For more stories like John's, visit Schuylkill Speaks!
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — As he prepares to graduate, John Perkins is leaving Penn State Schuylkill with more than a nursing degree — he is taking with him a passion for helping others, strengthened confidence and lessons that have shaped both his personal and professional journey.
A fourth-year nursing major from Philadelphia, Perkins has been deeply involved in campus life, participating in a wide range of student organizations. His involvement includes Lion Ambassadors, Blue and White Society, Black Student Union, the Student Nurses’ Association at Penn State Schuylkill (SNAPSS), the Multicultural Association for Students in Healthcare, Snowboarding Club, THON, Muslim Student Association, and served as the vice president and chief of staff for the Student Government Association during his third-year.
Perkins said his involvement played a significant role in his college experience.
“They’ve helped me a lot with my social skills and time management,” Perkins said. “It also gave me a chance to have fun outside of academics and spend time with my friends in a meaningful way.”
His academic experience was equally rigorous. As part of the nursing program, Perkins completed clinical rotations in geriatrics, pediatrics, medical-surgical care, critical care, mental health, obstetrics and community health. He also completed a preceptorship in an intensive care unit, gaining hands-on experience in a high-pressure medical environment.
Perkins said his decision to pursue nursing was deeply personal.
“I chose nursing after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a kid,” he said. “Spending time in the hospital, I saw firsthand what nurses do and how they helped me through a difficult time. I wanted a career where I could help people and also support myself and my family in the future.”
Throughout his time on campus, Perkins said he was supported by a wide network of faculty and staff.
“There are so many people who helped me along the way,” he said. “The entire community has been a positive part of my journey.”
Beyond academics, Perkins said one of the most valuable lessons he carries with him is simple: take action.
“Just do it,” he said. “If an opportunity comes up and it could be good for you, don’t overthink it. The more you think, the more reasons you’ll find not to do something. Some of the best decisions I’ve made came from just going for it.”
That mindset helped shape many of his favorite memories at Penn State Schuylkill, he said, including time spent with friends during his junior year.
“It was near the end of the semester, and we all spent the day together — hanging out in the cafeteria, going to an ice cream social, and spending time outside,” Perkins said. “We played games, threw a football around and just enjoyed being together. It was a really good day.”
As graduation approaches, Perkins said he will miss the people and the sense of freedom that came with college life.
“I’ll miss the people I met here and the time I spent walking around campus, especially in the spring,” he said. “It’s also the last time I’ll really feel like a kid before stepping fully into adulthood.”
Looking ahead, Perkins encourages incoming students to make the most of their college experience.
“Take advantage of every opportunity,” he said. “Don’t sit around waiting or convincing yourself not to do something. Just go for it.”
As he prepares to begin his career in nursing, Perkins said he is ready to carry forward the lessons and experiences that have defined his time at Penn State Schuylkill.