Learning Skills to Help Those Around Her

From as early as Michelle Wooton can remember, she had wanted to be a teacher. After graduating from Boise State University with a Psychology degree in May 2018, Wooton was able to achieve her dream as she began teaching at an alternative school in West Ada School District.

However, after the COVID-19 pandemic struck, working in education became a struggle for Wooton. As much as she loved teaching, she knew she needed a change.

“The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) was just the change I needed,” Wooton said.

Wooton’s friend introduced her to the world of Occupational Therapy (OT). After doing her own research, Wooton knew it was the perfect fit because she was able to use the creativity and passion she had for teaching and channel it into OT.

“I am enrolled in CWI’s OTA Program to help people get back to their daily occupations the way they want to. I want to inspire change in people in a holistic way and be there for them when the light bulb moment goes off that makes them realize, ‘I can do this.’”

As Wooton finishes up her first year in the program, she has been able to reflect on all she has been able to learn and discover about herself. She has found out this work is a true passion of hers.

“This program is absolutely amazing. I could not have asked for a better experience. Although the workload can look like a lot, it is super doable and actually very interesting, so it makes me want to learn and do the readings and coursework.”

CWI's OTA Program utilizes a problembased theoretical approach, fostering problem-solving through solid critical inquiry and assisting the development of a solid foundation in occupationalcentered professional skills. Courses combine didactic, lab, service learning, and fieldwork experiences.

As the activities director for a local assisted living facility, Wooton can attest to how well the program is preparing her for the real world once she graduates. She uses the tools and lessons she has learned within the residents’ daily routines and activities and constantly thinks, ‘How is this related to what she is learning in class?’”

“Through this program, I have realized how much change we can make in the everyday life of people of all ages and disabilities. OT is a wonderful career for anyone looking to help people and make a change in their everyday lives. I have seen firsthand through fieldwork how rewarding and helpful it is.”

Wooton feels grateful to be able to help those around her and can’t wait to begin her career doing this type of work every day. She enjoys working with pediatrics and geriatrics, so she is unsure of what path she will be on once she graduates from the program — but she calls that the “beauty of OT.”

“There are many different opportunities out there where you can find a job you love in whatever you want to do!”

While Wooton’s original career dream may look a little different than a few years ago, she is happy to have found a new calling where she can still impact the lives of others— even in the most unlikely of places.

“Through this program, I have learned I have true grit. I can push myself to my limits, and then a little bit more to get where I want to be.”

To find out more about CWI programs VISIT cwi.edu/programs

Commercial Tire Partnership

Commercial Tire is empowering its employees and setting them up for success thanks to a partnership with CWI. The tire chain store sponsored 14 of its employees to go through a six-week Auto Maintenance Training Program through CWI, where they learned skills in automotive service, maintenance, light repair, and more.

All 14 of the Commercial Tire students completed the training and earned their certificates. For customized training REACH OUT TO Workforce Development, wd@cwi.edu or at 208.562.2700

CWI Students Support Boise Re-WILD Project

The College’s Horticulture Technology Program has partnered with the Boise River Re-WILD Project, a grassroots effort that seeks to protect and revitalize the habitat of more than 50 acres of land along the Boise River by 2023. Over the next two years, students will take part in various restoration activities, like removing invasive species, planting, weeding, watering, and working to make sure plants can survive long after the project’s completion.

CWI Brings Affordable Education to Mountain Home Air Force Base

CWI partnered with Mountain Home Air Force Base to bring quality educational opportunities and classes to military personnel and their families on base, as well as civilian residents of Mountain Home eligible for base access.

Military personnel can leverage CWI’s exceptional tuition value to support their personal and professional development by taking up to eight classes per year using military benefits. In-person classes are offered on base to assist students working to earn their Community College of the Air Force Associate of Applied Science.

VISIT cwi.edu/mtnhome

Micron Partners with College of Western Idaho

As the core education partner with Micron Technology, Inc., CWI is excited to lead efforts in delivering toplevel education and skills training to students in support of the company’s recently announced $15 billion expansion in Boise.

Along with providing a pathway to enhance industry-specific skills, CWI’s Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program will work closely with Micron to train highly qualified technicians for this leading-edge memory manufacturing fab and support the company's apprenticeship program.

VISIT cwi.edu/micron-partnership for more information.