Humble beginnings
Ervina Covcic was a child when she and her family immigrated to Twin Falls, Idaho from war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“My family had humble beginnings but found more opportunities in the U.S. I had a normal Idaho childhood.” She loved her hometown and all her vibrant community and the Idaho outdoors had to offer. So when Covcic graduated from high school and was preparing to make a decision about college, she realized she had no desire to leave her home.
“My family had humble beginnings but found more opportunities in the U.S. I had a normal Idaho childhood.”—Ervina Covcic
“With my childhood, my parents always stressed that college was important and that no one could ever take it away from me. So, I started with an associate’s degree at the College of Southern Idaho and wanted to go for a bachelor’s degree. I did a lot of research and stumbling into online learning was really exciting to me.”
Online education was the answer
Distance or online degree programs emerged as the answer. She enrolled in the online business program at Boise State University to begin her journey to a bachelor’s degree, all the while working full-time as an administrative assistant for Southern Idaho Economic Development.
“I have always loved math and calculus, but also business. I was in Business Professionals of America in high school and had a lightbulb moment. I decided on the Bachelor of Business Administration and I’m so happy that I made that choice. I wanted the flexibility to try different things throughout my career.” Without sacrificing her job or time with her family, she could pursue a college education.
“I decided on a business degree and I’m so happy that I made that choice. I wanted the flexibility to try different things throughout my career.”
“I loved that Boise State allowed me to continue my education without moving to the area. My job was in Twin Falls where I was learning new skills every day that went hand-in-hand with my education. It was important to me to continue working while also attending all of my courses.”
Flexibility and opportunities with an online education
But how did she balance it all — work, family and school? “My work was so great and let me jump in on homework and assignments during dead or in-between time when tasks were completed. I could stay at my job and go to school. Why should I have to pick one over the other?”, Covcic questioned. “I think a lot of students think that they can’t make money and go to school. There is so much flexibility and opportunity with an online education.”
“I think a lot of students think that they can’t make money and go to school.”
Boise State Center at the College of Southern Idaho
Through the Boise State Center at the College of Southern Idaho, Covcic received all of the support and guidance she needed to succeed. The Center houses a dedicated advisor on the College of Southern Idaho Campus, coordinates Boise State evening courses supplemented by online options and offers personalized transfer assistance. She explained, “My Boise State advisor stationed at the CSI campus was really helpful. I could see them in person and get my questions answered. Having someone there to walk me through the process made it a lot less stressful, especially at the beginning.”
“Having someone there to walk me through the process made it a lot less stressful, especially at the beginning.
And after successfully completing many projects and assignments, Ervina Covcic achieved her goal and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Boise State in May 2019.
Helping rural Idaho businesses grow
What did the degree mean for her and her future? A promotion and the ability to pursue her passion in her own community.
“I’ve been with Southern Idaho Economic Development for four years and I started as an administrative assistant and then got a promotion to rural economic development specialist. My role is really important for rural businesses. I visit businesses and talk them through funding and resources — I work as a resource concierge so our beloved ‘mom and pop’ shops can stay afloat. I help both major employers and small businesses in the rural Magic Valley area overcome barriers to growth. It’s really important, especially right now.”
First in her family to graduate from college and now working towards a master’s degree, Ervina Covcic’s life changed as a result of her college education. “It has changed the trajectory of my future. I am the first in my family to receive an undergraduate degree and will be the first to receive a master’s degree,” she explained.
“Having these opportunities has enabled me to make a greater impact in my workplace. I have used numerous concepts taught from several classes at my job and am constantly seeing the value that my education has brought me.”
“It has changed the trajectory of my future. I am the first in my family to receive an undergraduate degree and will be the first to receive a master’s degree.”
What are you waiting for?
Are you interested in exploring the value of distance or online learning opportunities at Boise State University? Boise State Community Educational Outreach and Boise State Online offer educational opportunities to meet you where you are. Contact a student success coach to have a conversation about your academic goals today.