Strong support and sense of purpose lead CWU-Yakima grad to honors

Even though her advocacy work as a job coach for the disabled was deeply rewarding, Carolynn Pursley was looking for her next step. She was hesitant to return to school as her own deafness and cerebral palsy were barriers for her to attend college in the past.

Then a close friend recommended Central Washington University's Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) Social Sciences program as a way to explore all the facets of social science she'd need to continue her work.

"I like to help people get what they need, and help guide them to where they need to be to be successful," said Pursley, who is graduating this weekend. "I had a hard time deciding on which specific major to choose, and then I had a really close friend recommend this program to me, and provide me with the contacts I needed to get in touch. Once I reached out and asked questions about the program, I realized that this was it, because I didn't have to settle on just one major or aspect of social science."

After transferring to CWU-Yakima, Pursley found all the accommodations she needed to pursue her passion.

"Central really opened that door for me by giving me the accommodations I needed to be successful, and my instructors have been very understanding, too," she said. "Before every class, I'd send a letter to my instructors to introduce myself and my needs, and they were all so incredible at asking for feedback and making sure I had everything I needed. It was a big game-changer for me, and as a result, I had a wonderful experience coming to Central."

Balancing school, two part-time jobs, volunteer work, and raising a teenage daughter is quite the workload, but through her dedication and sense of purpose, Pursley not only persevered, but managed to pull it all off while maintain a GPA of 3.96. She was also named IDS Student of the Year, which she says came as a pleasant surprise.

"It was a combination of shock and excitement to finally get recognized for my hard work," Pursley said. "All my life, I have faced so many different obstacles to reach my goals, so it was such a special moment because I never thought I would get to that point just by working as hard as I can."

On Saturday, June 10, Pursley will walk across the Commencement stage at Tomlinson Stadium on the Ellensburg campus, with her two sisters, niece, parents, partner, and daughter in attendance. She says their support over the years has been instrumental in helping her get to where she is today.

"Don't give up trying to find someone, somewhere who's willing to work with you," Pursley said. "Talk to your friends and family, and let them know what you're struggling with, because they may have ideas you hadn't thought of. I couldn't decide which college or degree to go for because I was so afraid of the barriers that might stand in my way, and my friend pushed me to reach out to CWU. I wouldn't be here graduating with my bachelor's degree if I didn't have a wonderful advisor and support from my friends and family. You need that foundation, that support, to be successful."

Beginning this summer, Pursley will put her degree and volunteer experience to work, continuing to advocate for disability services and accessibility across the board so that others in her position can join her in reaching for the stars. She plans to pursue a graduate degree as well, because if there's anything her journey so far has made clear, it's that anything is possible.

"When my parents found out that I was deaf and had cerebral palsy, the doctor told them I might never be able to walk or talk. And yet, here I am, walking and talking," she said. "I have a family, I'm living on my own. I've climbed the Grand Teton! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it, because it is possible, especially with the right support and resources."