Hometown: Kent, Washington
Major: Liberal Arts
Anticipated Graduation: May 2018
Because of CWI: “I know what I want in life – a job where I can help others!”
Aleksey always knew he wanted to go to college after high school, but struggled to believe in himself.
His parents moved to the United States from Russia as refugees in 1989. Although Aleksey was born and raised in the United States, English is not his first language. One of the first classes he took at College of Western Idaho (CWI) was English. Aleksey says his instructor, Janel Holt, had a significant impact on his education.
“She always believed in me,” he said. “She always told me I could succeed as long as I worked hard and never quit.”
Work study positions at the College, as an office assistant and in the Tutoring Center, not only assisted him financially, but allowed him to grow as a person and build his communication skills. Through these opportunities Aleksey says he discovered his passion for helping people.
“Seeing the light bulb when a student understand the problem you just helped them with,” he said, “I get the best feeling in the world knowing I just made their day.”
Aleksey credits support from his parents, relatives, friends, and the faculty at CWI to his success.
“Before I started college, I did not think I would survive,” he said. “CWI became my second family. From the amazing instructors to the awesome staff in the Tutoring Center – I knew they all had my best interest in mind and wanted me to succeed.”
Aleksey plans to continue his education and is interested in occupational and physical therapy. His goal is to find a career where he can help others.
