CWI News – Oct. 21, 2022
Spotlight
What a SPOOK-tacular time! College of Western Idaho's Latinx Student Services held it's October Social, where students were invited to take part in a costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, enjoy food and drinks, and meet new people!
News Highlights
‘Making a Difference One Person at a Time’: Finding a New Path in Life Through PN Program
Working as a nurse runs in the family for College of Western Idaho (CWI) Practical Nursing (PN) program student, Tiffany Smith. Her mother, birth mother, biological grandmother, and biological aunt are all nurses.
However, following in her family’s footsteps and becoming a third-generation nurse wasn’t the path Smith originally intended for herself.
Smith obtained her Associate Degree in Advertising Art from the Southwest University of Visual Arts and started working as a graphic designer. A few years later she had children, and became a stay-at-home mother. In 2016, she went back to work as a graphic designer in the Treasure Valley.
That was up until she was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
“There was a lack of events,” Smith said. “It was my third time being laid off as a graphic designer and I decided I was done. I love art, but I wanted something that would insure employability. I needed a career that would allow me to take care of myself.”
Always having some connection and interest in health and healing, she decided to return to school, work on her prerequisites to get into CWI’s PN program, and one day become a nurse.
“A very loud thought would sneak up on me for years, ‘I don't want you to waste your time on this earth.’ Simply put, I felt called,” Smith said. “I want to be there to hold the hand of the hurting and I want to be able to support myself while doing it. At the end I want to feel I lived a life well spent.”
Initially, it was CWI’s affordability that brought Smith to the campus. However, since being accepted and starting the College’s PN program, Smith is even happier with the decision she has made.
While Smith calls it a “demanding program,” she realizes how prepared CWI’s PN students walk out of the program upon graduating, take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination), and begin work in healthcare facilities as a Practical Nurse. From hands-on lab experience to phenomenal instructors with a wealth of knowledge and connections around the Treasure Valley, Smith has nothing but praises for the College’s program.
“The teachers are great. Not only are they dedicated to preparing us for the NCLEX and real life afterwards, but they also care about the students personally,” Smith said. I broke my leg at the beginning of the program, and I thought for sure I was done. While paramedics were loading me into an ambulance at the school, PN Instructor, Melanie Gier, assured me I would be able to finish. PN Instructor, Dr. Joan Weddington, even took pictures of my car I had crashed two days before to send to my insurance.”
Once Smith graduates from the program she plans to take the NCLEX and begin her career as a Practical Nurse. She believes she will continue her education and study to become a Registered Nurse (RN), like her mother and birth mother before her.
“Life is a winding road, and we never know where it's going to take us, but one thing I do know is the options are unlimited in healthcare,” Smith said. “Because of CWI I have a new start to a career with a lot of growth potential where I can make a difference one person at a time.”
Applications for CWI’s PN program are open now through Oct. 28, 2022.
The program requires a supplemental application process in addition to applying for admission to CWI. Details on the application process and program requirements are available on the Practical Nursing program page.
For questions about applying to the Practical Nursing program, contact your Student Success Advisor or the Practical Nursing program.
Learn more about the Practical Nursing program and how to apply
2022 Fall Health Professions Open House
College of Western Idaho (CWI) invites those interested in or thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare to attend the 2022 Health Professions Open House Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Come explore the opportunities available at the College through a wide variety of programs. Instructors, students, and advisors will be on-hand to talk with attendees and help answer program and career questions.
Featured programs:
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Administrative Support
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Surgical Technology
- Accelerated Medical Assistants – Coming Fall 2023
The Idaho Department of Labor predicts Idaho's healthcare and social assistance industry to grow by 2.1% each year between 2016 and 2026. Projections are for more than 21,000 new healthcare jobs in Idaho in the same period.
"With the healthcare and social assistance industry world continuing to grow, our CWI programs can help prepare those interested in these careers and fill the demanding needs," said Department Chair of Health Professions, Dr. Sabina Omair. "We have incredible faculty and staff with resources and connections around the Treasure Valley who can help students become employed soon after they graduate."
Students who complete a degree program at CWI will earn an Associate of Applied Science, from a regionally accredited institution. CWI’s accreditation makes it possible for students to transfer credits to four-year institutions, where they can be applied towards a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (see a transfer advisor at your desired institution for complete details). Certificates are also available for each of the degree programs.
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Sabina Omair at sabinaomair@cwi.edu.
Cyber Defense Center Leadership Attends Cybersecurity Summit
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Cyber Defense Center works to stay up to date on the latest education for students to help them become cybersecurity experts of tomorrow. To learn more about cybersecurity trainings, opportunities, and to create connections around the Gem State, representatives from the Center took part in the Idaho Office of Emergency Management’s (IOEM) annual Cybersecurity Summit Thursday, Oct. 13.
This year's Cybersecurity Summit was held in conjunction with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management's Annual Preparedness Conference in Boise Oct. 11 – 12. This three-day conference focused on emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, mitigation activities, cybersecurity, and more.
In attendance from the College was Cyber Defense Center Director, Sara Hoyt, and Advisory Board member, Sam Evans. Evans is the Deputy Chief Security Officer (CSO) for Micron Technology and was also one of the speakers at the conference, along with several other well-known industry recognized organizations, such as IOEM’s Director, Brad Richy, Idaho Legislative Representative, Brooke Green, Idaho National Laboratory Cybercore Program Manager, Eleanor Taylor, and more.
“This was the first time they had this event in person since 2019, and there was a big turnout with about 200 people in attendance,” Hoyt said. “It was so exciting to be able to participate in something like this, and hopefully see it grow over time. It was interesting to hear all the different topics and speakers, as well as hear what employers are looking for in their future cybersecurity workforce.”
The Conference is an education, outreach, and training event for emergency management professionals, including Emergency Managers, County Commissioners, and Tribal Council Members as well as cyber professionals from state and local government or the private sector.
“It is great Sara was able to participate in the Summit and help spread the word about CWI’s Cyber Defense Center around the Treasure Valley,” said Dean Computer Science and Information Technology, Dr. Miguel Olivares. “She is able to network with those companies, and organizations we want to work with, and bring back new knowledge for our cybersecurity courses.”
Hoyt has high hopes the team at the Center will be able to play a bigger role in next year’s Summit, such as take part in it’s Workforce Development Panel, and reach an even bigger audience.
CWI’s Cyber Defense Center offers cybersecurity awareness, best practices, news, events, and activities for Idaho communities, businesses, partners, and students while striving to advance U.S. Federal Government, State of Idaho, and industry initiatives in cyber defense.
For those in need of more information on the Center or has questions, contact cyberdefense@cwi.edu or visit the Cybersecurity program page.
Anthropology Club Hosts Idaho Archeological Society Annual Conference
People from around the Gem State will be at College of Western Idaho (CWI) to discuss and understand more of Idaho’s past. CWI’s Anthropology Club will host the 48th Annual Idaho Archeological Society Conference at Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Rm 102E on Saturday, Oct. 22.
The conference will feature professors, students, and industry professionals from around the state, including Boise State University, University of Idaho, and Idaho State University. CWI Associate Professor of Anthropology, Nikki Gorrell, and her Anthropology Club students will provide a warm welcome at this event highlighting archeological research and findings in Idaho and beyond.
Refreshments will be provided. The conference is free and open to the public.
For those with questions or in need of more questions, contact Nikki Gorrell at nikkigorrell@cwi.edu.
Take Part in Dia De Los Muertos
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Latinx Student Services and Student Engagement teams are still looking for people to sign up for the altar contest for Dia De Los Muertos.
Dia De Los Muertos, translated to Day of the Dead, is a two-day holiday that reunites the living and dead. Families create ofrendas (Offerings) to honor their departed family members who have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods, and join in the celebrations!
Dia de Los Muertos is a rare holiday for celebrating death and life. It is unlike any holiday where mourning is exchanged for celebration. This holiday is observed Nov. 1 – 2.
Each year, Latinx Student Services and the Student Affairs partner up to host an altar contest at College of Western Idaho campuses. Students, faculty, and staff can register to create altars honoring someone deceased.
Participants will receive a standard decoration kit as part of their registration. Any additional items required to decorate must be purchased by the participant. Altar installation will take place on Oct. 28.
Decoration kits can be picked up the week of Oct. 17 – 21. An email will go out to all participants with the location and time for pick up. Kits will include a handout on the basic elements of an altar.
Altar Displays
Oct. 31 – Nov. 4
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Lobby and Atrium
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Wednesday, Nov. 2
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Rm 122
Those with questions or in need of more information, contact latinx@cwi.edu.
Welcome Monica Huyg
College of Western Idaho (CWI) welcomes Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs, Monica Huyg, to the team.
A native of the Gem State, Huyg was raised in Idaho Falls. She is a graduate of Carroll College in Helena, MT and the University of Nebraska’s College of Law in Lincoln, NE.
“I am excited to join CWI and work with faculty and staff to find grant opportunities that will that enhance the student experience and contribute to our mission,” Huyg said. “Over the past few years, I have served in both legal and grant roles, and look forward to contributing to the CWI community.”
Before CWI, she served as the Director of Research Contracts at Idaho State University, as well as legal counsel for the State of Montana’s government. Most recently, she was at the New Teacher Project (TNTP), a non-profit education organization.
Outside of work, Huyg enjoys hiking, skiing, and traveling with her family.
Grants and Sponsored Programs is launching a new pre-award/post-award structure, which Huyg will fill a key position in the development and delivery of that model. Continue to watch for more information in the upcoming weeks regarding CWI's grant processes.
“Monica brings a great combination of grant experience in higher education plus a legal background that will aid her in processing the nuances of grant expectations,” Dean of Math and Science, Kae Jensen. “I am looking forward to CWI’s new opportunities with her in this role.”
For those with questions, or would like to greet Huyg, her contact is monicahuyg@cwi.edu. Huyg’s office is located in Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Willow B.
Restoration Week
Students and instructors with College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Horticulture Technology program are launching a new community project with a week full of service and fun. Restoration Week will allow Horticulture Technology students to take break from the classroom setting and bring them outside to take part in activities, get to know one another, and hear from restoration experts.
The week is in conjunction with the kick off to the Horticulture Technology’s restoration work on a new plot of land they’ve acquired through the Boise River Re-WILD project.
“Students do not get a break until Thanksgiving, and they become so exhausted,” said Horticulture Instructor, Casey O’Leary. “The department wanted to think of something to do outside of the classroom norm, while students still learn about good content. When the work with the Boise River Re-WILD project came up, I thought this could be a great way to kick off to doing work on the site, have some fun, and learn.”
The Boise River Re-WILD project is a grassroots project that aims to restore over 50 acres of habitat along the Boise River by 2023. CWI’s Horticulture Technology program is one of 100 community organizations who have adopted a half-acre plot and are working to remove invasive species, grow, plant, and maintain native plants, and monitor project outcomes.
The plot of land is located at 5657 E. Warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID 83716, which is on Idaho State Parks and Recreation land, near the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.
“For me, this project is a good example of what's possible when you you base your coursework on a community project. It can lead to increased student engagement and goodwill within our institution and around our community,” O’Leary said. “I think it has a lot of potential to serve our students and the community really well.”
Restoration Week will kick off on Monday, Oct. 24, with a full line-up of industry experts and guest speakers who will share their expertise about these types of restoration projects including information about the Boise River corridor ecosystem and insights on industry-standard best practices in and around the Treasure Valley.
Throughout the week, Horticulture Technology students will engage with one another to explore the project more in-depth in their coursework. The week will end with a department-wide planting day on Thursday, Oct. 27.
Restoration Week Activities
Those with questions or in need of more information, contact Casey O’Leary at caseyoleary@cwi.edu
Find Out More About CWI Programs through Exploration Events
Get the job you want! Join us to explore your future career with industry leaders at College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Program Exploration Events. Learn about the programs available at CWI, get a feel of the program lab space and technology, and get tips on preparing for a successful start.
The upcoming Program Exploration Events will highlight Powersports and Small Engine Repair, Automotive Technology, Heavy Duty Truck Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician, and Collision Repair Technology programs at the College. Events are scheduled in October and November at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC) to learn more about these programs.
CWI Assistant Dean of Industry, Engineering, and Trades, Alex Beal, helps run the Programs Exploration events. He is excited to have industry leaders in each of these programs meet with students and share tips on how to enter the workforce and have a successful career.
“Students are able to listen and chat with industry leaders who explain what is going on in their career right now, the nature of the job, the type of earnings they can expect to make, and how they would move upward in the career,” Beal said. “I think when you bring in an employer who shares what they’re looking for when they’re hiring, it means a lot to students. It’s almost like an opportunity to have an impersonal interview with a potential employer.”
Visit the Program Exploration page for dates, times, locations, and to reserve your spot. For those needing more information or have questions, contact Alex Beal at 208.562.2413 or alexbeal@cwi.edu.