Scott Dobson embarked on a transformative journey through the College & Career Readiness program at Western Nevada College (WNC) from April 2023 to June 2024. During his time in the program, he successfully passed the HiSET high school equivalency exam, obtaining the Nevada Certificate of High School Equivalency.
Following his completion, Dobson expressed an interest in continuing his education in WNC's Automotive Technology program. He connected with a Career Services specialist at the college to aid his transition. "I’m proud to say I’ll be the first person in my family to go to college and to graduate," Dobson stated.
His path toward education began with a search for a suitable program that led him to WNC's adult education courses. "The adult education program at WNC was exactly what I was looking for," Dobson mentioned. He faced challenges, including anxiety and OCD, but received therapy and counseling, which helped him cope.
Dobson praised the support from the adult education department staff and specifically mentioned instructors Hallie Murphy, Kevin Brandenburg, and Ben Wassum for their guidance. "I especially want to give a shout-out to my Language Arts instructor, Hallie Murphy, and my math instructors, Kevin Brandenburg and Ben Wassum," he said.
Dobson accessed financial aid and tuition assistance through programs like Good Jobs Northern Nevada, SANDI, FAFSA, ROADS, and Pell grants with help from counselors and Career Services Specialist Chris Croft. Despite difficulties, he maintained his motivation, stating, "Even when things got difficult, I never really thought about giving up."
Earning his GED was a significant milestone for Dobson, and he also achieved a place on the Dean’s List during his first semester. Additionally, he will compete in the SkillsUSA competition, a national program promoting leadership and technical skills.
Looking ahead, Dobson plans to graduate from the Automotive Technology program by Spring 2026, continue toward an Associate of Applied Science degree, and work in automotive technology. "My ultimate dream is to get into building Japanese race engines," he revealed.
Dobson shared advice for prospective students, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. "My advice to anyone thinking about enrolling is simple: Go for it! Don’t let your self-doubt get in the way," he encouraged.
Reflecting on his journey, Dobson expressed pride in his achievements and aspirations. "This journey hasn’t just been about education; it’s been about building a better life — for myself, and for the people I care about," he concluded.
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