Every student has a story. As graduates near the completion of their programs at College of Western Idaho (CWI), their stories are often passed along. When given permission, we enjoy sharing these personal accounts — written by students themselves — with the CWI community, and hope reading them inspires you, too.
Written by Cassandra Conner
I attended the graduation of a friend of mine from Boise State in 2015, but while everyone happily celebrated their huge accomplishment afterward, I found myself standing aside with tears welling underneath my sunglasses.
I cried as I thought "I wish that was me. I wish I could graduate college and earn a degree, but that will never be me because I'm not smart enough. I can't do it,” This belief had lingered for years because I’d actually tried college before, but struggles with ADHD, and a lack of support made it feel like an impossibility. However, given time to reconsider during the pandemic, I eventually found the courage to try going back.
I made a promise to myself that in 2023, I would do it. I could be scared and worried, but I WOULD do it. I began with an online 8-week CWI 101 Pathways Career Exploration class with instructor Elizabeth Cook in March of 2023 and gained new perspectives I never anticipated.
I felt at home at CWI. I began to feel smart, successful, courageous, and found myself believing that I maybe I could be a great student. Still though, imposter syndrome kept trying to creep in making me wonder, “Is this was really me? Do I deserve this, and can I actually earn these grades while working full-time AND volunteering?
But I did and I'll tell you how: self-determination and the amazing faculty at the College of Western Idaho.
My college experience at CWI was the foundation of new dreams and goals for the future. As a person who is neurodivergent, I now realize that timing, hope, passion, hard work, and asking for support are keys to success.
If you’d told me 12 years ago that I’d be graduating with my associate’s degree AND transferring to Boise State, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s the knowledge earned here and inspiration from faculty members like Cherie Buckner-Webb, Elizabeth Cook, Hilary Cobb, Annie Estvold, and the helpful librarians at CWI that drove me to complete my education. It’s how I will continue to positively impact my community.
I feel immense pride in my education and for being a graduate from College of Western Idaho.
