By Derrick Smith

Northwest Tech offers a wide variety of programs to students that will help them learn a new skill or get a jump on their future careers. Alva’s Kinzie Harzman has always had a career she has been interested in and is now in the process of fulfilling that dream. 

“I heard about Northwest Tech from a teacher,” she said. “I was interested in nursing, and she told me about the programs that they offered. I want to be a registered nurse and getting my Certified Nursing Assistant license would get me a head start on my career.”

As a student at the Alva Campus, Harzman is taking the Health Careers program which she says has given her a hands-on look at what a career in nursing could look like.
“I have been able to have real-life opportunities,” she said. “It has also allowed me to obtain my CNA license. I am working at a nursing home that has many opportunities for me to continue on my career path. After I graduate, I plan to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University and earn my registered nurse degree and eventually go to the University of Oklahoma and get my license to work in a neonatal intensive care unit.”

Kinzie has some advice for those that are thinking about attending Northwest Tech but have not decided for sure. 

“I would say that they should take advantage of the opportunity,” she said. “You have to be ready to take that first step in your career path.”

Harzman is a junior at Alva High School, where she is a member of the student council, National Technical Honor Society, National Honor Society, and the Superintendent’s Leadership Class. She is also a member of the Lady Goldbugs soccer team.

She has some great people that have played a role in her life, but Kinzie says that there is one person that has had the biggest impact on her. 

“My mom is my top role model,” she said. “She is very strong and has a lot of willpower. She works for what she wants and deserves so much. She does a lot for me, and it never goes unnoticed. I strive to be like my mom.”