Vianey Gonzalez heard about Blackhawk Technical College’s Dental Hygienist program from a former coworker who went through it when it first started. Her coworker highly recommended the program and inspired Gonzalez to apply. Gonzalez was already familiar with Blackhawk, as she had attended classes there.
“I first attended Blackhawk in 2017 for the Dental Assistant program, so I already knew how efficient and well-structured the programs are,” Gonzalez said. “I’m currently a second-year student in the Dental Hygiene program—woohoo!”
Blackhawk was an easy choice for her, as it’s close to her home, offers flexibility in classes, is affordable, and has a diverse mix of ethnicities and age groups. Most of all, though, Gonzalez values the constant support and encouragement of her instructors, she said.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s never too late—it’s never too late to go back to school and pursue a career you’re passionate about. If you dedicate yourself and stay consistent, you can achieve any goal you set your mind to. This program has truly taught me that,” she said. “Blackhawk provides so many helpful resources — from caring instructors and school therapists to the Student Success Center. These resources have helped me stay focused and supported throughout my educational journey.”
Going back to school hasn’t been easy for Gonzalez, however.
“Shortly after I was accepted into the program, my fiancé was let go from his job of 10 years due to a work-related injury,” she shared. “Since then, we’ve been facing financial challenges, as he can only do limited types of work. The program strongly encourages students to limit work hours due to the demanding schedule, but I didn’t have that option. I worked two jobs while completing my prerequisites and, eventually, went down to one because of the stress. It’s been tough, but with a strong support system behind me, I’ve managed to keep pushing forward. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.”
After her anticipated graduation in May, “I plan to take a nice, long, and well-deserved vacation! Then, I’ll start planning my 2027 wedding, which I’ve put on hold until after graduation,” she said. “Career-wise, I’d love to eventually move down south—maybe to Florida or Texas—but for now, my goal is to find a dental office where I can provide care in Rockford or Janesville.”
For those considering Blackhawk, Gonzalez said, “It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long it’s been since you were last in school—if you put your mind to it and believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything. You are capable of so much more than you think, and the only way to find out is to start.”
Find out more about the Dental Hygienist program at blackhawk.edu/dentalhygienist.
The Careers, Advocacy, Resources, and Engagement (CARE) Center is a resource for students who need assistance managing barriers and developing connections. Call (608) 757-7603 or email carecenter@blackhawk.edu