Editor’s note: Over the past few years, we have been featuring spotlights on new employees and outstanding students within our campus community. We are excited to announce the launch of our new series, “Get to Know Blackhawk,” which will follow a Q&A format, allowing a more simple yet conversational approach to sharing the stories of individuals connected to the college.
What is your name and where did you grow up?
Amanda Fadroski. I grew up in Fort Atkinson.
What is your role at Blackhawk Technical College?
Access and Accommodations and Title IX Coordinator.
What was your journey to this role?
I have been in the public education setting for most of my adult career. My learning pathway was not traditional, but I chose to dedicate my career to teaching at the high school level as both a special education teacher and an online instructor in English Literature and Humanities for the last 17 years. Technical college and higher education carved a pathway for me to be successful in pursuing my career as an educator and keep my love of learning alive!
Where did you go to school?
I attended UW-Whitewater, where I earned my undergraduate bachelor’s degree in English Education and a minor in Special Education with a teaching degree at the middle/high school level. I also earned my master’s degree in special education.
Is there something that drew you to this career?
I come from a family of teachers and although I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a teacher (I started out in nursing and worked in the private sector for a Biodiesel Company), I always knew that I would work in a field where I could help people in some capacity, and I discovered I was really good at teaching, so I stuck with it!
What is something Blackhawk offers that you feel other colleges do not?
A most welcoming environment filled with genuine people who are dedicated to supporting higher education and many different pathways for learning. In addition, the campus facilities are great!
What is your life like outside of work?
I have two sisters and live close to my parents. I have one daughter and one grandson and I spend a lot of time with family outdoors and I love to travel and write for fun.
Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.
I am a member of the Antique Trucker Association and helped my dad restore a 1954 Diamond T semi-truck. We are currently restoring a 1976 cab-over Peterbilt-it is the truck of my childhood!
What is your favorite movie?
“To Kill a Mockingbird” or “The Shining.”
What is your favorite quote?
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” - Abraham Lincoln
Who is your biggest influence?
My grandfather, Edward Pinc, is my greatest influence. He was a World War II Veteran who was part of the initial pilot program at General Electric’s flagship operation that became the prototype for human resources departments of modern times. My grandpa was so dedicated to advocating for education that he left all his grandchildren money for college but only on the condition they attend a technical college or trade school!
What was your first job?
My first job was working as an activity director at St. Colletta’s School at Alverno in Jefferson when I was 17 years old while I got my HSED, CNA and LPN License.
What would be your dream car to own?
1976 Stingray Corvette, T-Top, Midnight Blue with camel leather interior.
What's one song that must always be on your playlist?
Anything Beastie Boys; Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and The Beatles’ White Album.
If you could be any movie character, who would you choose and why?
Minnie Driver in “Circle of Friends” because she doesn’t sell herself short even when her friends do.
What is your dream vacation destination?
Sicily, Italy.
If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?
Charles Bukowski or my grandpa.
What is your favorite TV show?
“Seinfeld,” “Parks and Recreation,” or “Sherlock Holmes,” the Jeremy Irons BBC edition (or if unavailable, Robert Downey Jr. will do).
What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?
“He-Man” and “Jem” - the rockstar group Barbie cartoon and my dad’s favorite Looney Toons on Saturday morning.
What is your favorite book or who is your favorite author?
“Jitterbug Perfume” by Tom Robinson because he is the Master and Margarita with metaphors.
What is your favorite pizza topping?
Cheese! Any kind with pineapple and banana peppers.