What is your name, and where did you grow up?

My name is Ashley Korbol and I grew up in Beloit.

What is your role at Blackhawk Technical College?

I am a Simulation Lab Specialist at Blackhawk and work with students in the Health Sciences and Public Safety programs. 

What was your journey to this role? 

I am a Physical Therapist Assistant and have worked in the medical field for the past eight years. Throughout this time, I have worked in many different settings with many different patients. I have discovered my passion for education while being a mentor to students. 

Where did you go to school? What did you study?

I am a Blackhawk graduate in the Physical Therapist Assistant program. 

Is there something that drew you to this career?

I was drawn to the healthcare field because I love being able to help people. The educational side of things has recently drawn me as I can help people in a different way.

What is something Blackhawk offers its students that you feel other colleges do not?

I truly feel that Blackhawk offers a lot of flexibility. They’re very up-to-date with all of the practice equipment and give the students real-life experiences to help everyone learn. 

What is your life like outside of work? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?

I have been married to my high school sweetheart for five years, and we have a 2-year-old boy who rules our world. I also have a 4-year-old boxer mix that drives me crazy, but I also love her dearly. 

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

I am an extreme couponer! I love saving money, so I spend some of my free time watching Instagram videos that teach me how to use coupons!

Do you play any musical instruments?

I played the French horn in middle school and high school. I was not very good, but I had a blast!

What is your favorite TV show?

My favorite TV show is “Grey's Anatomy,” which I have been watching since it first came out and really can’t get enough. I am not up to date with all the episodes because I have a busy life, but when I get a spare moment, I will be watching Grey’s. 

What was your first concert?

My first concert was the Jonas Brothers when I was in fifth grade. I remember going with my best friend and wearing handmade t-shirts and bringing our autograph books just in case. 

What’s your ultimate comfort food?

My favorite comfort food is chicken noodle soup. Particularly my grandma’s because she always makes homemade noodles. 

What is your personal pizza order?

Chicken bacon ranch!

What game show would you most want to participate in? Do you think you could win?

I have always wanted to be on “Big Brother.” It is a game show where you move into a house for the summer and play various games. The last person left at the end of the season wins $750,000. I think I would be a terrible player and would likely not win, but the experience would be fun!

If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?

I think I would want to be a dog. Hang out, sleep all day, eat whenever and have no worries. 

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

One thing on my bucket list is to go on a European cruise. I have been on two Caribbean cruises and have been to Europe once, so I think putting those two together would be amazing!