Breaking the Mold: Madison Seeley

For Northern Maine Community College student Madison Seeley, breaking barriers is part of her everyday routine. She is pursuing not one, but two non-traditional programs for women: Business Administration and Building Construction Technology. Madison was drawn to the Business Administration program by her prior experience in business classes with the Presque Isle Tech Center and the idea of owning her own business one day. The addition of a Building Construction Technology major is based on her hands-on experience working with her stepfather’s construction business, including tasks such as building a deck or replacing a roof. By completing two majors at NMCC, Madison is opening many doors for potential future careers.

“I love college. I’m definitely thriving here,” says Madison about NMCC. The freedom to choose classes and manage your time and commitment to the work is part of what Madison loves about higher education. Michelle Collins, business instructor and academic advisor, says, “Madison is an active participant in class. She works well with her classmates and is happy to share her knowledge and experience with the class. Having a double major makes Madison a very well-rounded student, and I believe that she will also make an excellent employee after graduation.”

Madison says she’s more motivated to succeed in both programs because they are male-dominated. Even when feeling underestimated or that the odds are stacked against her, Madison wants to show that hard-working women can find success in these fields. There are several women in the Business Administration program at NMCC and two other women in Madison’s Framing Systems course in the Building Construction program. She says the men are very respectful, and she doesn’t have to deal with some of the attitudes or behaviors she anticipated before starting the program. All the students work together as a team to bring out each other’s strengths and accomplish the goal.

Madison encourages others considering entering a non-traditional field to pursue their passions. “Don’t let anyone else dictate the limitations of your life,” she says. With determination, talent, and two degrees in progress, Madison Seeley is building a well-rounded skillset for her future and setting an example for other women to do the same.