How far would you travel to attend college? Already a recipient of a bachelor’s degree in Law, Palestinian native Amer Salameh was visiting relatives in Beloit a few years ago when he learned about Blackhawk and decided to research a little further.
“I like to study. My children always ask me, ‘father, why are you studying? You are too old,’” Amer said. “I tell them you’re never too old to study.”
Liking what he found about the Web Software Developer program, Amer applied for his student visa to undertake a new challenge. Told that the process would be faster if he stayed in America, he stayed, leaving his wife and two children in Palestine. The process took a year and he began taking courses in 2023.
One condition of Amer’s visa was that he had to attend at least nine hours of in-person classes each semester. As he continued through the Web Development program, there was a point where there were not nine hours of in-class instruction available, so he also enrolled in the Digital Marketing program.
As the Web Software Developer program draws closer to its end, students are expected to work on a capstone project. Amer is currently working on a rebranding of Dara Radio, a radio station that is part of Power Group, an independent entrepreneurial youth group based in Bethlehem. The group works with young people to help them improve their skills for their careers.
Melissa Dix, instructor in the Web Software Developer program, was the recipient of high praise from Amer.
“Melissa has been the biggest help you ever can imagine,” Amer said. “I can’t describe how helpful she is.”
Melissa has similar praise for Amer, saying his growth in both the program and his personal life is nothing short of remarkable and his determination to excel in multiple fields is a testament to his hard work and ambition.
“Amer is not only a hard worker but also a genuinely nice person with a great sense of humor,” she said. “His presence in the program is a true asset, and I have no doubt that he will continue to achieve great things in the future.”
Read more about Amer below.
What is your name? Where did you grow up and what high school did you attend?
My name is Amer Salameh. I grew up in Bethlehem, the Holy Land, and attended Terra Santa Boys College for high school before pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Al-Quds University in Jerusalem and a diploma in Journalism from Bethlehem Bible College.
How did you hear about Blackhawk Technical College?
After finishing my journalism diploma, I decided to take a break and visit the United States for vacation. It was my third time in the U.S. and I wasn’t necessarily looking for new experiences, I was just taking some time off. At the time, I had no plans of going back to school.
During my visit, I came across Blackhawk Technical College and learned about its Web Software Developer program. Out of curiosity, I started researching it further, and the more I read, the more it felt like an opportunity I couldn’t ignore. With over 20 years of self-taught experience in web development, I saw this as my chance to formalize my skills and gain deeper technical knowledge. At that moment, I knew I had to pursue it.
What started as a vacation turned into the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my education and career.
What made you choose to attend Blackhawk Technical College?
When I discovered Blackhawk, it felt like the perfect fit at the perfect time. In my country, high school is divided into scientific and literary tracks. Web development has been my passion for as long as I can remember, but fate led me down the literary track. This meant I couldn’t pursue computer science or any scientific major at the university level. Instead, I earned a law degree and later a diploma in journalism.
But when I learned about Blackhawk and the Web Software Developer program, I realized this was my chance to follow that lifelong passion. The hands-on, practical approach to learning, supportive environment and flexibility made Blackhawk the natural next step in my journey.
Is there something that drew you to the Web Software Developer program?
I’ve been passionate about web development for over 20 years, and most of my knowledge came from self-teaching. Over the years, I’ve built and managed numerous websites using Joomla, WordPress, HTML, CSS, and forums, gaining hands-on experience with different CMS platforms and web technologies.
What drew me to Blackhawk’s program was the opportunity to formalize my skills, work on real-world projects, and stay current with industry trends. I also appreciated how the program balanced technical skills with creativity, allowing me to bring ideas to life through design and development.
What has been your favorite project to work on as a Web Software Developer student?
My favorite part of this journey has been diving deeper into PHP and databases. In the past, I mostly worked on CMS platforms like Joomla and WordPress, configuring and customizing them but never building something entirely from scratch.
At Blackhawk, I’ve had the opportunity to truly understand how PHP works, how databases interact with web applications, and how to develop solutions beyond just CMS-based customization. This hands-on experience with backend development has been both challenging and exciting, and it’s expanding my skills in ways I never explored before.
How has Blackhawk helped you to pursue or complete your goals?
Coming from where I grew up, I was genuinely shocked by everything Blackhawk offered me. The level of support, access to resources, and the latest technology were beyond anything I had experienced before.
I wasn’t just learning; I was given the tools, guidance, and encouragement to grow. Blackhawk provided access to cutting-edge technology, learning resources, and a community of friendly faces always ready to help along the way. This environment has allowed me to formalize my skills and push me to go beyond what I thought was possible. Blackhawk has given me the confidence and knowledge to take my passion for web development to the next level, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Have you run into any specific issues as an international student?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the long and complex process of obtaining a student visa. Even after that, it took me some time to adjust to how things work in the academic system here, like learning APA formatting, navigating Blackboard, and understanding coursework expectations, which all required effort.
Throughout the process, there was always someone willing to help and support me. The faculty and staff at Blackhawk have been incredibly welcoming, providing guidance and resources that made the transition much more manageable. While there were challenges, I never felt alone in facing them.
Have you had to overcome any obstacles or challenges on your educational journey?
One of my biggest challenges is being away from my family. Leaving my wife and children behind to pursue my studies was not an easy decision, and the distance has been difficult. However, I remind myself why I’m doing this—to build a better future for myself and my family.
Another challenge has been balancing my studies with my freelance work. As a web developer, I already have ongoing projects and responsibilities, so managing coursework while continuing to work on real-world projects has required strong time management. Shifting between learning new concepts in class and applying them to client work has been a unique challenge, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.
Are there any academic achievements that you’ve been proud to accomplish in your time at Blackhawk?
I’m particularly proud of how much I’ve expanded my technical expertise, especially in cybersecurity. One of the most rewarding experiences was completing interactive cybersecurity scenarios, where I successfully prevented a major data breach. This experience deepened my understanding of security principles, threat detection, and risk management—skills that are crucial in today’s tech landscape.
Additionally, diving deeper into PHP, databases, and backend development has been a significant milestone for me. Looking ahead, I’m especially excited about taking the AI course next fall, as I believe AI-driven solutions will play a key role in the future of web development.
When do you plan to graduate and what are your plans for life after Blackhawk?
I plan to complete my Web Software Development courses in Fall 2025, and along the way, I’ve started working on my second major in Digital Marketing.
After graduation, I plan to follow my dream of starting my own business, specializing in building websites and digital solutions. With over 20 years of experience in web development, I want to create a company that helps businesses and organizations establish a strong online presence.
At the same time, I’m passionate about working on projects that create social impact, especially in underserved communities.
What advice do you have for other individuals who are considering Blackhawk?
If you’re thinking about joining Blackhawk Technical College, go for it! They offer a flexible, hands-on learning experience that is great for both beginners and professionals looking to expand their skills.
My advice? Don’t hesitate—take the first step. Blackhawk provides not just education but also a welcoming community and a strong support system. The faculty, staff, and resources are there to guide you every step of the way. If you’re looking for a place where you can grow, gain valuable skills, and open new opportunities, Blackhawk is the right choice.
Learn more about our Web Software Developer program by going to blackhawk.edu/WebDeveloper. Learn more about our Digital Marketing program by going to blackhawk.edu/DigitalMarketing.