“College of Western Idaho (CWI) empowered me to become a more confident version of myself,” said 2021 graduate, Justina Sexton.
Justina, a first-generation college student, originally from Oklahoma, came to Idaho in 2017 looking for a change.
“After completing an associate degree in English Education in 2016 at a small community college in Oklahoma, I moved to Idaho with some friends. Moving here has been one of the best opportunities of my life because it has given me the direction I was searching for, along with an amazing support system.”
Drawn to CWI for its smaller class settings, Justina chose to continue her education – this time in Media Arts.
“I have always had a knack for media production. Before CWI, I had seven years of freelance video editing experience. I knew Media Arts was where I belonged.”
From running through the halls of the Canyon County Center shooting video to taking the lead on class projects, Justina valued encouragement from her instructors to always be her best.
“Through happy and sad tears, Dan Garrity helped me find my voice and become the storyteller I am today. Anna Gamboa helped me define my path and be confident in the skills I have. I have loved being in their classes!”
In her last semester at CWI, Justina was able to use her talents to directly impact the community, a cause she invests her heart in.
“Justina was selected by her classmates to be the Executive Producer of a class project in my Multimedia Storytelling class. She made it a goal to make sure her fellow students knew she cared about them as much as she cared about the project’s success,” explained Garrity. “The sky is the limit for her, and I am very proud and grateful to have been along for this part of her ride.”
“Justina eats, sleeps, and breathes media,” said classmate, Tehani Schnupp. “Her passion for the media industry is matched only by her determination to find creative ways to utilize that passion to make a positive impact on the world. Working alongside her in class is empowering! She willingly shares her knowledge and locks arms with you to plow through and learn right beside you.”
Now a CWI graduate, Justina has already started her journey at Boise State University where she is studying Multidisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Media Content and Communication Management.
“In fine-tuning my skills and knowledge, I have achieved personal and professional milestones giving me more than I ever thought possible. Because of CWI, I am ready for the future.”
