When Adriiela Motresku moved from Ukraine to the United States four years ago, learning English was one of her biggest challenges. Now, as a student at College of Western Idaho (CWI), she hopes to become a teacher and help other students facing similar challenges.
“When I first started high school in the United States, English was one of my biggest challenges,” Motresku said. “I sometimes struggled to understand what people were saying and did not always understand the expectations of my classes.”
With time, Motresku became more comfortable speaking English, and her academic performance improved. Having learned Romanian, Ukrainian, Russian and English, she understands the challenges students face when learning a new language.
“I remember being afraid of making mistakes and not understanding what people were saying when I first came to the United States,” she said. “Because of that experience, I want to create a classroom where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and learning at their own pace.”
Motresku credits her English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Post Falls High School with inspiring her to pursue a career in education.
“Because of her, I saw how an ESL teacher can make students feel more comfortable, supported, and confident while they are learning.”
Motresku is now studying Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education at CWI, with plans to continue her education in ESL and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Scholarships are helping her work toward that goal. For Fall 2026, Motresku received the Chalfant Family Early Childhood Education Scholarship. She also received the McGinley Trust Fund Scholarship and Post Falls Kiwanis Club Scholarship for Spring 2027.
“Receiving scholarships has meant a lot to me because they make continuing my education feel more manageable and give me additional support as I work toward my career goals,” Motresku said. “As a student beginning my college education, financial support helps me focus more on my classes and on becoming the kind of teacher I hope to be.”
After CWI, Motresku plans to transfer to Boise State University to pursue her bachelor's degree. She hopes to teach elementary or early childhood education and eventually work with students who are learning English as another language.
“I want my classroom to be a welcoming place where students feel comfortable, included, and excited to learn.”
Motresku is grateful to the scholarship donors who are helping her continue her education.
“Thank you for choosing to support students like me. Your generosity is helping me continue my education and work toward a career that I truly care about,” Motresku said. “Receiving a scholarship is the encouragement I needed to keep working toward my goals.”
“I hope that one day, as a teacher, I can have a positive impact on my students and give back to my community in my own way. Thank you for helping make that possible.”
Scholarships help students like Motresku focus on their education and work toward their career goals. Learn more about scholarship opportunities at CWI and how you can support student success by visiting the Give Now page.
