Never Too Late to Find Your Passion

Published: September 19, 2022

SARA DORMAN
Hometown:
Boise, Idaho
Degree: Health Science
Scholarships: Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation

Sara Dorman has led a life that has taken her in many different directions, which, eventually, brought her to College of Western Idaho (CWI).

Dorman spent nearly two decades working in different fine dining and bistro restaurants and hotels as a chef around the country, even obtaining her Culinary Arts degree from the Art Institute of Cincinnati in Ohio when she was 27 years old. She called her culinary career, “extremely rewarding,” but there was always a different industry calling her.

“My desire to work in the medical field has continued to resurface throughout my life, so at almost 40 years old, I decided to go back to school to get my nursing degree,” Dorman said.

She plans to graduate and get her Associate of Science in Health Science through CWI, then transfer to a different institution to become a Nurse Practitioner and specialize in psychiatric care.

“I was drawn to CWI because of the programs available here, the smaller class sizes, and the College's reputation.”

While Dorman reflects on all she has been able to achieve, one of her biggest accomplishments is just being able to get an education. As the first woman in her family to earn a degree and attend college, she calls herself lucky to be able to learn new skills.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to receive an education, and I know it will be, and already has been, a life-changing opportunity that will impact my life and my family indefinitely.”

Dorman is the proud recipient of a $2,500 Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation scholarship, which she said will allow her to work less and devote more of her time to her studies.

She added the scholarship gives her the motivation to continue exceling in her courses and eventually graduate.

“I am proud to be a student at CWI, and I am grateful for the support I have received from other students and my instructors in reaching my goals thus far. I look forward to giving back to the community as soon as I get my degree.”

The scholarship period for the 2022-2023 academic year is open through Nov. 15, 2022.

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