Ia Lao grew up in Wausau and attended Wausau East High School. After hearing that Blackhawk offered a Dental Assistant program, she looked up the College online and decided that was where she wanted to go.

Ia’s biggest challenge was switching from a university that she had attended for 2½ years to a smaller school.

“I think the thought of starting over again was difficult because I spent a long time somewhere else,” she said. “From that experience, I learned that not everything has a specific timeline and to take your time with things.”

Ia likes the fact that the class sizes at Blackhawk are smaller. With only 11 other students in her program, she feels they can get to know each other well.

Using the services that the College offers helped familiarize Ia with the school and she would urge students to take advantage of such resources that are offered.

Planning to graduate in May, Ia plans to work at a general dental clinic and is considering enrolling in Blackhawk’s Dental Hygienist program.

For more information on the Dental Assistant program, visit blackhawk.edu/dentalassistant.