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

My name is Aisha Butler. My dad was in the military, so I grew up in several places. I was born in Germany, moved to Virginia, and then to Maryland. When I was about 8, my mother, siblings and I moved to Janesville, where I’ve been ever since. I attended Milton High School.

Why did you choose to attend Blackhawk Technical College?

I initially chose to attend Blackhawk because of the Criminal Justice Studies (CJS) program. I planned to complete the CJS degree, transfer to a four-year university, and get a bachelor's degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice. While I enjoyed my first semester of CJS, I decided that I didn't want to pursue that path for four years. I spoke to my advisor and found out about the Associate of Arts program. I have stayed at Blackhawk for this program to eventually transfer to UW-Whitewater.

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

I am currently enrolled in the Associate of Arts Transfer program. I think the thing that drew me most to the program was the ability to take classes at the UW-Whitewater at Rock County and the main UW-Whitewater campuses while I work towards my Blackhawk degree and eventual transfer.

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

Blackhawk has enabled me to take classes that fulfill not only my basic courses but the required classes for my eventual major once I transfer to UW-Whitewater as well. Blackhawk has also given me many opportunities to improve my teaching and communication skills!

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

The biggest challenge for me so far was deciding to switch from the CJS program to the Associate of Arts program. Although I had only completed one semester of CJS, I was incredibly nervous about changing my entire major. Speaking to my advisor helped ease my anxiety, and I am very happy I decided to switch.

Are you involved in any student organizations or extracurricular activities at Blackhawk?

I am a part of the Associate of Arts Advisory Committee. I also used to work as a teaching assistant a few semesters ago for the ELL classes held at Blackhawk and am currently a student tutor.

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

I plan to graduate in either the spring or fall of 2025. After Blackhawk, I plan to transfer to UW-Whitewater to pursue a major in Japanese studies. Subsequently, after getting a BA, I will be applying to the JET Programme to teach English abroad in Japan.

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

Talk to an advisor before deciding on what classes you want to take and get more information on the major you will be pursuing. Talking to advisory staff will make your transition into Blackhawk much less stressful and will help you plan your semesters. Never be afraid to ask for help. Also, never be afraid to search for new opportunities. The staff here are always eager to help you reach your goals.

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

I find learning Spanish way harder than learning Japanese. I took Spanish for four years, and I still find it incredibly jarring.

What was your first job?

My first job was a summer internship at a business called Valmet.

Who is your biggest influence?

My biggest influences right now are my father and my UW Japanese teacher, Melanie Czarnecki. Their work ethics and skill sets are something I aspire to have, and they are both incredibly inspiring and kind.

Do you play any musical instruments?

I dabble in guitar, and I love to sing.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Hopefully, Zendaya would be interested in playing me in my biographical movie. I love her.

What is your favorite movie?

I can't choose just one! But the three I keep going back to are “Train to Busan,” Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” and Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.”

If you could be any TV character, who would you choose and why?

If I could be any TV character, I would be Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter movies. She gets to wield magic, and her parents seem interesting.

What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?

My favorite cartoon was (and still is) “Adventure Time.”

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

I’d have to say either French vanilla or cookie dough. Honestly, anything but chocolate is great.

Who is your favorite comic book character?

Oh, the Joker, for sure. I’m a huge fan of comic book villains. If you count manga as a comic book, then Levi Ackerman from “Attack on Titan” is my favorite.

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

I am currently in the process of learning the language at the top of my list - Japanese! After this language though, I want to learn Thai, Korean, and Chinese.

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

I would travel to Thailand! I was lucky enough to have already visited Japan, so now I’m going down the list!