Get to Know Kendra Rhodes, Business Management Student

Welcome to our “Get to Know Blackhawk” series, which uses a Q&A format to showcase the diverse and talented individuals within the college community.

What is your name? Where did you grow up and what high school did you attend?

My name is Kendra Rhodes! I spent the first nine years of my life in a small town in Minnesota named Hutchinson before starting third grade in Beloit. I then went on to graduate from Beloit Memorial High School.

Why did you choose to attend Blackhawk Technical College?

I chose Blackhawk because of the many fantastic things I’ve heard about the teachers and courses.

What is your area of study? Is there something that drew you to the program?

I’m in the Business Management program. I’ve heard many good things from past graduates about the quality of the material they were studying in this program!

How has Blackhawk helped you to pursue or complete your goals?

Blackhawk has many outstanding resources available to me that have made my first semester here more tranquil than I had anticipated. I believe the most beneficial accommodation this school offers is the professors and their willingness to work with you to help you reach your goals and aspirations!

Have you had to overcome any obstacles or challenges on your educational journey?

I think a challenge I’ve had regarding my educational journey is that I was diagnosed with endometriosis during my freshman year of high school, which led me to miss a lot of classes, both online and in person. Catching back up was difficult but I spent all of summer 2021 catching up in all of my courses and graduating with a 3.6 GPA.

When do you plan to graduate and what are your plans for life after Blackhawk?

I plan to graduate in spring 2026. I am currently the social media manager for a bar in Stillman Valley, Illinois. I would like to further my understanding of what it means to own and market your own business by opening my own coffee and pastry shop, where I can sell pastry, tea, and coffee flavors from all different regions and cultures!

What advice do you have for other individuals who are considering Blackhawk?

My advice would be not to fear asking for instructions or help of any sort. Every staff member and student I’ve met in my short time at Blackhawk has been nothing more than warm and welcoming.

Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.

I grew up a pageant kid, so I have a lot of different skills, talents, and hobbies that I’ve been involved with for years, such as eleven years of competitive dance, seven years of piano and guitar, as well as speaking fluent French and bits of Spanish!

If you had to pick one season to live in all year round, which season would you choose?

Definitely summer. I was born at the very end of summer, which always leads me to have amazing memories every year leading up to my birth month.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

I think Nico Parker is an amazing actress, as well as the fact that people tell me I remind them of her. She had a major role in the 2023 live-action version of “The Last of Us,” and her small screen time greatly impacted me.

What is your favorite color? Why?

Pink is my favorite color without a doubt, growing up an only child and a girl with a single mother, my mom was big on femininity. A lot of bows, glitter, and pink. Although most people outgrow their childhood interests, I think me and the color pink go together really well.

What is your favorite movie?

I don’t watch TV as I’m a strict book reader. When I was a kid, my mom said I watched “Shark Boy and Lava Girl” so many times that she had to throw out the VHS tape.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

I’ve worked at the Flying Pig, an ice cream store in downtown Beloit, for three years. In that time, I've become obsessed with bubblegum ice cream! It’s pink and it’s an amazingly unique flavor.

If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?

Vivienne Westwood. She is a clothing and jewelry designer who passed in December of 2022. I’ve admired her work since seeing her wedding dress on Carrie Bradshaw. Knowing that she was there for the 1966 Dior fashion show protest, I would have to talk to her about what it was like to be confronted by all the young women concerned about the future of womenswear.

What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?

Any of the very old “Barbie” movies. They were before their time and very progressive. A good watch to this day.

What/who is your favorite sports team or pro athlete?

The Ohio State dance team killed it this year at nationals. Their performance of “My Way” gave me serious chills.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you pick?

Probably mind reading. I just want to have the power to know what other people are thinking, especially in crazy situations, haha.

What/who is your favorite book or author?

This is such a hard question because I am the biggest reader. I guess I would have to stick with my childhood favorite, Mary Downing Hahn. She writes young adult ghost and mystery novels. My favorite one is the first book of hers I read in third grade, “Wait Till Helen Comes,” a magnificent read for all ages.

If you could learn any language, which one would you choose?

I’m very passionate about Europe, and since I know French already, I think I would choose to learn Italian next, just so there are no language barriers whenever I visit.

If you could pick any foreign country to travel to, which one would you pick?

Greece is at the top of my list. There is amazing architecture, people, and food. The culture and history there is insane. If I could spend just 24 hours there, it would be enough for me.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

I love learning new skills and hobbies. I think learning to play the drums would be so fun, then I could be a one woman band.