Hometown: Nampa, Idaho
Major: Liberal Arts
Graduation: 2019
“CWI empowered me to dream of a happy, successful future,” said 2019 graduate Elizabeth Carter.
A wife and mother of four, Elizabeth came to College of Western Idaho (CWI) after years of being discouraged from pursuing a college education.
“My adventure at CWI began during a difficult time in my life. I was crawling out of a black hole of hopelessness, helplessness, and not caring if tomorrow came. I was technically homeless, jobless with no job skills, and had two children to care for.”
As a first-generation college student and 25 years removed from high school, going back to school proved challenging at first.
“Technology had vastly changed, and my 13-year old daughter had to explain PowerPoint to me. The faculty and staff at CWI could not have been kinder, gentler, or more encouraging.”
As a student, Elizabeth achieved considerable success receiving multiple recognitions and scholarships, successfully maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and serving as the 2019 president for CWI’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, Beta Sigma Pi – the recipient of several prestigious awards at PTK’s international convention this past April.
“Everyone was dressed in formal wear, and we were running up on stage in front of almost 4,000 people. It was so exciting every time they called our BETA SIGMA PI name! I seriously felt like I was being named Miss America every time! Silly, I know, but it can be hard being a leader and that nod of excellence was so incredibly appreciated.”
Following graduation, Elizabeth plans to transfer to Boise State University to complete her bachelor’s degree.
“I feel like the world is full of possibilities, and I only have to give myself the freedom to believe in them! Because of CWI, I dream about the future!”
