What is your name and where did you grow up/what high school did you graduate from?
My name is Catherine Cooley, though I often go by Cassie. I grew up in southwestern Wisconsin and graduated from Potosi High School, a small rural school about two hours away from Blackhawk.
Why did you choose to attend Blackhawk Technical College?
I honestly never had Blackhawk Technical College on my radar until plans to attend a different college fell through when the women’s basketball program was dropped. I love athletics and have been competing in sports pretty much my whole life, with basketball being my favorite. I knew I was not ready to give up playing, and I also knew I wanted to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. When I learned Blackhawk would give me both opportunities, my parents and I visited the campus in June. After touring the campus and meeting with the academic advisors and the athletic director, my mind was set on attending. Everyone was so welcoming and the resources available were amazing, too.
What program are you in, and why did you choose it?
As I shared, I have had a goal of becoming a PTA. I chose this field because of my love of athletics as well as learning about the body and how to help others recover from injuries.
What was your journey to this role? Where did you go to school? What did you study?
In high school, I did several job shadows and had a summer internship at Southwest Health Center in Platteville with their PT and OT departments, and I loved it! In my last couple years of high school, I also took some dual credit courses to help me prepare for college-level classes. Taking Anatomy and Physiology was especially helpful for me. It is a tough course and I know the more exposure I get to new things, the better I will do.
What is something Blackhawk offers its students that you feel other colleges do not?
For me, the opportunity to play basketball was important. The other part that I felt was important to me was the amount of support available to me as a learner. School has not always been easy for me, so feeling confident about having access to support when I needed it was super important. It was clear to me that this college and its staff are focused on helping students meet their goals. I also appreciated that the college offered housing since my home is two hours away.
What is your life like outside of school? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends. Camping, boating, and working at my part-time job are all things I enjoy. I also volunteer when I get the chance. I have dogs at home—Charlie, our Black Lab/Great Dane mix, Miley, a Jack Russell, Lucy, a Cairn Terrier/Jack Russell mix, and Tinker, a Chihuahua/min-pin mix. I miss them when I am at school and they sure are happy to see me when I go home!
What has been the most rewarding experience of being in the PTA program so far?
At this point, I am taking general education requirements, so have not really started PTA courses. With the courses I am in, the instructors have been amazing and I am learning a lot and appreciate the support I get. I also have enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends in my classes.
How has living in the new housing option at Blackhawk impacted your college experience?
Living in the housing option has been awesome for me. I love that I get to experience this “traditional” college life and have access to all Beloit College has to offer. I am getting the best of both worlds—a two-year college with four-year college experiences. It is great! I am not sure attending Blackhawk would have been possible for me without the option to stay in the dorm.
What are your career goals after graduating from the PTA program?
When I complete my program, I intend to return to southwest Wisconsin and work in a local hospital so I can be close to my family. I am also considering pursuing my bachelor’s degree. I know that education is important to me and it opens doors.
What advice would you give to someone considering the PTA program or Blackhawk Tech in general?
I encourage you not to hesitate in seeking help whenever you need it, especially from your instructors and tutors. They are genuinely committed to your success and are there to support you on your academic journey. Don’t underestimate the value of their guidance. They have the expertise and experience to help clarify difficult concepts and provide insights that can significantly enhance your understanding. Remember, reaching out for assistance not only shows your dedication to learning but also allows you to tap into a wealth of knowledge that can propel you forward. Your instructors and tutors truly want the best for you, and they are more than willing to go the extra mile to ensure you thrive. Embrace the opportunity to learn from them!
How do you balance your studies with your personal life or work commitments?
Time management is a big thing! My mom helped me get started with how to manage my time since the college schedule is so different from high school. She also played college sports and was able to share some insight into how to prioritize. Good study habits are a must. The other thing for me was taking a course load that was manageable. My mom shared that college is not a race, and you do what you need to do to succeed. For me, it is helpful to take 12 credits as opposed to more credits. It will take me a bit longer to complete my program, but this is what is best for me to do well and honor the commitments I have.
If you had to pick one season to live in all year round, which season would you choose?
It would definitely be spring. There’s something magical about this time of year—the weather is perfectly balanced, not too hot or too cold, creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities. It invites exploration and adventure, making it easy to connect with nature. The longer days and gentle sunshine are perfect for hiking and camping for me, spring symbolizes renewal and joy, offering endless opportunities to create lasting memories outdoors.
If you could have any superpower, which one would you pick?
Mind reading. There’s something incredibly intriguing about the thoughts and emotions swirling around in other people’s minds. Often, I find myself wondering what others are thinking, what dreams inspire them, what challenges they face, and what stories lie beneath their outward expressions.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I would love to spend a night sleeping on the sandbar of the Mississippi River. Being surrounded by nature, with the gentle lapping of water and stars overhead, sounds enchanting.
To learn more about Blackhawk's Physical Therapist Assistant program, visit blackhawk.edu/pta. To learn more about Blackhawk's athletics program, visit athletics.blackhawk.edu. To learn more about Blackhawk's housing option, visit blackhawk.edu/housing.