Madison Smith knows what it’s like to juggle multiple responsibilities.
Like many Ozarks Tech students, she is learning to carefully balance school and work while also taking on the challenges that come with being a single mom. So, when the college launched year-round enrollment in spring 2024 to help students plan their schedules in advance and stay on track to graduation, Madison and thousands of others got in early.
She was on the path to graduation in December 2024 with a degree in business and plans to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting when she realized her original plan just wasn’t the right fit. Madison decided to take some time to find a career path that matched her interests and could provide for her and her son.
“Business is flexible, but in high school I was really interested in welding,” she said. As she learned more about the welding field and did her own career research, Madison eventually landed in the college’s Electrical Technician Program.
The change in programs won’t hold her up. With the help of her navigator, Madison planned out her entire year, which helped in terms of financial aid planning, work scheduling and childcare. This spring, she began her first courses in the Electrical Technician program.
“The classes I’ve had to take have sparked something in me,” she said. “I’m a type B person with type A qualities, so I have to plan things out. Being able to plan a year and have my classes already set has been great.”