Hometown: Los Banos, California
Major: Professional Nursing
Graduation Year: 2019
“CWI empowered me to get started on a great career to support my family and achieve my dream of being a college graduate,” said 2019 graduate, Laura Thomas.
Laura’s parents, who came to the United States from Mexico with little to nothing, often struggled to provide for Laura and her five siblings. A dream to make something of herself from the little she had growing up, drove her decision to take a chance at a college education.
“I was lucky to have counselor’s and great teachers in school who encouraged me and spoke of college like it was a given for my future. My parents always said they wanted me and my siblings to have everything they couldn’t have. An advanced education is one of those things, and I am happy to be able to achieve that for them and make them proud.”
Even as a young child, Laura knew she wanted a job where she could help others which is why she chose to study nursing at CWI.
“A career day in middle school where a doctor came to talk to us about their job got the ball rolling on the healthcare field for me. I love being able to help others and hopefully brighten their day a little when they may be experiencing some of their worst days being sick and/or vulnerable.”
Following graduation, Laura will begin her career in healthcare as a Registered Nurse at West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell. She additionally plans to transfer to Lewis-Clark State College to complete a bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
“Because of CWI, I can work in a field I have always dreamed of working in. It took me some time, several mistakes, and a lot of hard work, but now I can look forward to the next chapter in my life.”
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