How a Mom and Son Thrive at Manhattan Tech
Get After It.
That's not just a tagline at Manhattan Tech, it's a way of life. And for Karen and Matt, a mother-son duo taking classes together, it's a mission they've taken to heart.
Karen is a veteran, co-owner of Fragrant Blends Candle Bar, and a student in our Business program. Her son, Matt, is in our Automotive Technology program, chasing his passion for horsepower and high-performance engines. Together, they're showing what's possible when you bet on yourself and say yes to real-world training.
Prayers, Pistons, and a Plan
After high school, Matt wasn't sure what came next. He liked cars and working with his hands, but college didn't feel like the next step.
That was until a conversation at the gym changed everything.
"A guy at the gym told me to use my skills," Matt said. "He said God puts people in your life for a reason, so I prayed about it. Pretty soon, I knew I belonged at Manhattan Tech."
The road hasn't been easy. "Auto Tech is tough," Matt admits. "There's grease, there's stress, there are long days. But I've learned a lot about myself. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, just with more confidence."
A Business, a Dream, and a Second Chance
Karen had supported her husband, a fellow veteran, while he earned his Ph.D. Now, it's her turn. "I've always loved the business side of things, but I needed to understand accounting, QuickBooks, and the financials. That's why I came to Manhattan Tech."
Balancing life, school, and entrepreneurship isn't easy, but it's worth it.
"I've never experienced more emotion in one sitting than I have since being back in college," she said. "You can go from feeling confident to feeling like you know nothing in a matter of minutes. But when you push through? That's when the light comes back on."
Sharing the College Experience
When Karen told Matt she was thinking about enrolling at Manhattan Tech, he joked it might be "traumatizing." But going to college together has turned out to be one of the best parts of the journey.
"We tackle the tough stuff together," Matt said. Karen added, "You don't see this often, a mom and son in college at the same time. He's helped me with homework, and it's brought us closer."
Being in the classroom gave Karen a whole new perspective on her son. "I used to wonder why he was so stressed. Now I get it because I'm living it. I couldn't be prouder of the man he's becoming."
For both of them, the experience has been challenging but transformational. Karen puts it this way: "No matter how hard it gets, no matter how long the nights or how heavy the load, if you've got faith, family, and the will to work, you can do it."
Matt keeps it simple: "Keep your eye on the prize. God puts us where we're supposed to be. He got us here. He'll get us through."
For Karen and Matt, Manhattan Tech isn't just a college. It's the place where dreams took shape, confidence was built, and a mother and son proved just how far you can go when you go together.
