Hometown: Kuna, Idaho
Major: Liberal Arts
Graduation: 2013
“College of Western Idaho (CWI) empowered me to work hard for my dreams,” said 2013 Liberal Arts graduate, Jessi Jensen.
After experiencing a significant change in her life, Jessi chose to go back to school to support her desire and love for helping people.
“I was so worried I wouldn’t be successful in college. Terrified actually. I got divorced at the age of 30 and had three small children I needed to be able to provide for.”
As a student, Jessi had several opportunities to help others in the community including organizing a coat drive for kids in the Nampa School District and a giving tree to support kids in foster care. Although these were wonderful experiences, she said it was the instructors at CWI who changed her life.
"As I became acquainted with Jessi through courses she took with me and her involvement with Psychology Club, it was clear that she was both interested in and highly motivated to help people," recalled Psychology instructor, Martha Timberlake. "Her course work and life experience prompted her to explore various ways she could develop a career to match her interests and motivation, and I thought social work would be an excellent match."
"I fell in love with the profession," commented Jessi. "I don’t know if I would have found my passion if it wasn’t for her!"
After graduating from CWI in 2013, she continued her education at Boise State University completing a Master of Social Work degree in 2016. She is now a clinical social worker focused on working with children and adolescents who are at risk or have advanced needs.
“CWI helped me realize I am smart and capable. Because of CWI, I get to do what I love and get paid for it! I believe whole-heartedly in CWI. My dream is to someday return as an instructor.”
