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Owens Grad Living Her Dream as Emergency Medical Technician in Swanton

Nataley Smith

The instructors and staff in the Owens Community College Department of Emergency Services Technologies field all sorts of questions and requests from their students. However, recent graduate Nataley Smith provided a completely new one.

She needed time off from class to attend her high school prom.

Following the weekend off for prom and eight months after graduating from high school, Smith graduated from the EMT program at Owens. Now at 19-years-old, Smith is living her dream as a full-time Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for the Swanton Fire and Rescue Division.

Starting her high school journey at Swanton High School, Smith attended Penta Career Center as a sophomore and for half of her junior year. After that, she was a full-time college student.

She knew early on the path she wanted to take, and this quick journey was preplanned. Both of her parents were previously first responders, and close friend Patty Brown was as well; their influence helped Smith set her goals.

Growing up, Smith also said her family had a lot of help from the Swanton community during some struggles, making it important for her to give back to the community.

“I didn’t feel like I necessarily owed anyone anything, but just being able to do something for them in return was a big thing,” Smith said. “I just want to help people.”

The EMT program at Owens helped prepare her “100 percent,” according to Smith. From the difference in equipment, administration and price to other programs, she added, “You can’t compete with Owens.”

“In comparison to some of the other classes I’ve seen, the equipment and instructors (at Owens) are a lot more integrated, a lot more progressive,” Smith said. “They want to make sure you understand the material rather than moving on.

“It’s real life. They prepare you for real world application.”

One way the program does that is by sending out the students on simulated calls around the Toledo-area Campus during class; the calls are based upon real situations instructors have faced in their professional lives. The students must get up from class, put on their equipment, go out to a call and run it like real life.

“Being able to work through the motions of being in the squad, knowing what the scenario is and mentally preparing yourself, it’s just like how it would be in the real world,” Smith said.

Smith’s age helped provide her with motivation during school. Despite her relative youth, she said the administration and instructors at Owens didn’t treat her any differently.

“They were pretty equal,” Smith said. “They wouldn’t sugarcoat anything, give me any extra leeway because of my age. That’s what I appreciated, that was really nice because it made me feel like I was an equal to my classmates.

“Being a female, the last thing I want is to be secluded because of those things. I’m just the same as everyone else. Teach me the same way. That’s not how I got here, by having things handed to me.”

According to Matt Phillips, chair of the Owens Department of Emergency Services Technologies, Smith “exemplifies the qualities we strive to instill in all our students.”

“Completing both the EMT and paramedic programs by the age of 19 is a testament to Nataley’s exceptional dedication and focus,” Phillips said. “Her unwavering commitment and goal-oriented approach have not only propelled her to success at an early age, but has also inspired her peers, regardless of age, to aim higher.”

Now living her dream as a full-time member of Swanton Fire and part-time member of Monclova Fire Department, Smith said it’s everything she hoped for and more.

“I couldn’t ask for a better place,” Smith said.

For more information on the EMT program at Owens, please visit owens.edu/business.