Congratulations to Vita Mobley, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for December 2019. Mobley is an Administrative Assistant for Industry, Engineering, and Trades. Having only been in this position since 2018, her journey at CWI began long before her employment.
“My experience with CWI began in 2011 when I first enrolled in the English as a Second Language program,” Mobley said. “Trevi Hardy was the first person I met. She was my English teacher, and we became good friends. A couple of years later when I was laid off from work, Trevi met with me and convinced me to go back to school. I enrolled in classes in August 2016.”
Originally from Russia, Mobley immigrated to the United States just prior to enrolling in CWI’s ESL classes.
“Moving to the U.S. was a huge challenge for me. I had to start my life again, learn a different culture, language, how to drive a car, and how to deal with people (this was most challenging for me). I missed my family and felt lonely until I enrolled in classes at CWI. Slowly, I started to thaw and felt love, support, and respect.”
"Vita took advantage of every class Basic Skills had to offer, and she did so with enthusiasm for learning and a drive to excel," commented Trevi Hardy. "She had a vision for herself of where she wanted to go, and it has been very exciting to see her achieve her goals!"
Mobley earned an associate degree in Accounting from CWI in 2019. While in school, she worked at the College as a student-transcriptionist for the Center for New Directions and a work study for Career and Technical Education leading her to her current position as an Administrative Assistant.
“I have always wanted to work at CWI – since I first enrolled and met all our wonderful people. I feel like I’m surrounded by friends and family. The CWI team is here for you, they cover your back, they are willing to help, and listen. Naturally, you want to be one of them. When we are talking in our meetings about changing students’ lives, it’s not only words for me. It is a real story; it is my story of how CWI changed my life.”
Outside of work, Mobley enjoys skiing, tennis, and hiking. Active in the community, she volunteers her time at the Russian Orthodox Church helping with their annual Russian Food Festival. Most recently, she became a Treasure Valley Hospice volunteer.
