College of Western Idaho (CWI) alumnus, Jose Magdaleno Nava, has built a life defined by perseverance, hard work, and the courage to pursue new opportunities. Nava went from living paycheck to paycheck to a business owner and member of the CWI Foundation Board of Directors, his story reflects the transformative power of education.
Born and raised in Idaho, Nava began working right after high school to support himself. “I met my wife in 1996, we married in 1997, and we had to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet,” he shared. For years, life was a constant juggle between jobs and providing for his young family.
One day, a broken water heater changed everything. “I kept thinking, ‘Why can’t I just hire someone to do this for me?’” Nava recalled. That moment sparked the realization that he needed more stability, more opportunity, and a career path that could provide for his family long term. Shortly after, he made the life-changing decision to go back to school. In 2012, Nava graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting from CWI, walking in the spring commencement ceremony the following year. Like many non-traditional students, his path wasn’t easy. As a stay-at-home dad, he faced health challenges, financial struggles, and even considered leaving school when his wife lost her job. Encouragement from his wife and a supportive professor pushed him to finish. “They both had my back,” Nava said. “Without them, I don’t think I would have completed my degree.”
For the first time, Nava secured a stable job in his field, no longer living paycheck to paycheck. He worked for the same company for nearly a decade before a new opportunity presented itself: a small bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation business in Nampa. Nava first joined the team, then just months later, was offered the chance to buy the business. After careful discussions with his wife, he took a leap of faith. Today, Nava is in his third year as the owner of Affordable Tax Prep & Bookkeeping Services LLC, where he provides accessible financial services to the community. True to the name of his business, affordability is central to his mission. “There are times when a client walks in and leaves with free advice,” he said. “I want to make sure people get the help they need.”
Nava also gives back to the College that helped change his life. His wife, who earned her associate degree in Psychology from CWI, also benefited from scholarships and financial aid. Together, they know firsthand how much donor support matters. “Your donations help more than you will ever know,” Nava emphasized. “You can see your dollars at work here. Without that support, some students wouldn’t have the chance to better their lives.”
For current and future students, Nava offers simple but powerful advice: “Don’t give up! Sometimes it will be hard, but your perseverance will pay off. Education is scary at first, but furthering your education will pay off in the future.”
From a young father working multiple jobs, to a college graduate, to a small business owner giving back to his community, Nava’s story is proof that education at CWI creates opportunity and transforms lives.
