Balancing motherhood, work and a full course load isn’t easy. But for McKayla Segura, it was all part of the journey to becoming the educator she aspires to be. A recent graduate of Ozarks Tech Lebanon Center, McKayla’s path has been anything but ordinary and her story proves that determination and a clear “why” can carry you through even the toughest chapters. 

From Inspired Parent to Future Educator  

McKayla didn’t always know she wanted to be a teacher. But as she watched her oldest son grow, explore and prepare for Pre-K, something clicked. 

“I found myself looking forward to every milestone—watching him learn new things was so rewarding,” she explains. “That joy led me to realize I wanted to teach young children.” 

Once her passion for early childhood education became clear, McKayla began looking for a college that could help her reach her goal while still working full-time and raising a growing family. That search led her to Ozarks Tech. 

“I chose OTC because of the flexibility of online courses and the option to take challenging classes like college algebra in a hybrid setting,” she says. “The affordable cost per credit hour was a big plus, too.” 

With the right support system in place, McKayla enrolled in the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AA.TED) program. She recently completed her degree and is now preparing to begin her bachelor’s in early childhood education at Central Methodist University (CMU). 

Balancing School and Family 

Managing motherhood and college is no small feat, especially when one of your children has weekly doctor’s appointments in two different cities. 

“I had to dedicate every ounce of spare time to coursework,” she says. “You know the saying, ‘When the baby sleeps, you sleep?’ For me, it was, ‘When the baby sleeps, it’s homework time.’” 

Evenings used to mean studying while her husband kept the kids occupied. Now, McKayla strives for better balance: squeezing in homework during naps and toddler playtime and reserving evenings for family and her son’s sports. 

Still, it hasn’t been easy. She began classes when her youngest child was just two weeks old. The guilt of being on her laptop instead of soaking up every moment was real. But when she heard a message from Dr. Rita Gulstad after graduating from Ozarks Tech, she knew it was all worth it.  

“This is all part of building a better life. I want to show my children that with hard work, anything is possible,” McKayla says. “That’s what keeps me going.” 

Looking Ahead: Big Dreams, Full Hearts 

McKayla’s next chapter begins at Central Methodist University, where she’ll pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. The decision was made easier thanks to the full scholarship. The Gulstad Full-Tuition Scholarship is a competitive award for community college transfer students entering Central Methodist University’s online or extended studies programs, covering 100% of tuition toward a bachelor’s degree. 

“I was shocked and relieved,” she recalls. “Before, I was constantly calculating costs, wondering if I could keep going. The scholarship lifted that weight.” 

She chose CMU for its fully online format, allowing her to stay present for school drop-offs soccer games and all the little moments in between. 

Her goal? To teach preschool or kindergarten near her hometown of Lebanon, Missouri. But more than just teaching the ABCs, she wants to build a classroom where every child feels seen, included and excited to learn. 

McKayla leaves other students with this advice: 

“If you’re waiting for the perfect time, it won’t come. Start where you are, use what you have and trust that you’re capable of more than you think.”