By Katie Hudson-Martinez/feature editor

Many women are happy to dedicate their lives to their children and their marriages, but what happens if after 30 years, that life turns upside down?

Linda Madison, a NE Campus Women in New Roles student, had to figure that out last year, but with the help of her classmates and the self-awareness techniques taught in the WINR program, she finally believes she is on the right track.

“I was married for 30 years, and all I wanted to do was be a mom,” she said. “Coming out of the divorce, with my kids all grown up and out on their own, I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

After breaking her arm and wrist in an accident, Madison paid close attention to the radiology technician who was helping her.

“I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, and it occurred to me that maybe I could do what she was doing,” she said. “I was instantly excited about it and started school shortly thereafter.”

She experienced some anxiety about returning to school after so long.

“I really wanted to be a good student, but I didn’t know if I could be. I was intimidated and unsure of myself,” she said.

The WINR program helped her to gain confidence and a true sense of direction in her life.

“It helped me, and it is still helping me,” she said. “The things I learned in the program have changed my life very much for the better.”

Madison went on a journey of self-discovery, learning things about herself that hadn’t occurred to her before. She did occupational compatibility testing, which she was excited to find listed radiology technician as a career she would be best suited to.

She learned about human relations, its relationship to the business world and techniques for communicating effectively, dealing with stress and making better decisions by understanding and embracing her new role in society.

“For me, the best thing was the personality test,” she said. “I felt completely validated and like I knew myself better than ever before. To see an explanation of myself on paper, it was like it all made perfect sense.”

Madison said she has been very pleased by how accepting and friendly TCC’s younger students have been to her, but the women she befriended in the WINR program have meant the world to her.

She is especially grateful to Dr. Paula Vastine, her WINR instructor.

“I just adore her, I feel honored to have been a student of hers,” she said. “I learned so many valuable things from her, and I truly do admire her.”

Madison said she is pleased to be a TCC student, regardless of the difficult situation that pushed her to enroll.

She is hoping anatomy and physiology classes turn out well for her this semester so she can apply to join the radiology program.

Her newfound confidence and determination are leading her into a bright future full of aspirations.

“My goals now are to be successful and take care of my own needs,” she said. “I want to work and have a fulfilling happy life with lots of friends.”