Kiara Magana, who grew up in Janesville and graduated from Parker High School, chose to attend Blackhawk Technical College because it was an affordable option and offered a supportive learning environment.
Enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program, what really drew Magana to the program is the transfer pathway to UW-Whitewater, where she can continue her education to earn a bachelor's degree. She also believes that smaller class sizes have enabled her to form stronger connections with her classmates and instructors.
“You’re not just another number in a huge lecture hall,” she said.”Your professors know you by name and truly care about your success.”
The most important thing Magana has learned at Blackhawk is the value of hands-on experience in education. Through field experiences and guidance from her instructors, she has learned the importance of creating meaningful connections with children and supporting their growth in every way.
She credits Michelle Weirich, her Early Childhood Education Instructor, for supporting her and encouraging her to attend the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) conference, where she heard from other early childhood education professionals.
“That experience helped me gain confidence and reaffirmed that I'm on the right path,” she said. “Without Michelle’s guidance, I wouldn't have had that amazing opportunity.”
Working full-time while taking classes has been challenging, though Magana has learned to manage her time well and stay organized with a consistent schedule.
Planning to graduate in December, Magana will then transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to continue her education, working toward her bachelor’s degree. Once completed, her goal is to work as a 4K teacher or become an early intervention specialist supporting children with diverse learning needs.
She encourages others considering Blackhawk to explore the programs and ask questions.
“Blackhawk has been such an amazing part of my education, and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering a career in Early Childhood Education or any other program they’re passionate about,” she said.
Learn more about the Early Childhood Education program by visiting blackhawk.edu/ece.
Learn more about our transfer pathways by visiting blackhawk.edu/transfer.