What is your name?
Derek T. Ping
Where did you grow up and what high school did you attend?
I grew up in Rockton and attended Hononegah High School, but I never wanted to grow up because I was a Toys ‘R Us kid.
Why did you choose to attend Blackhawk Technical College? What is your area of study? Is there something that drew you to the program?
My area of study is the Physical Therapist Assistant program. I have had many medical problems that resulted from my time in the military, and I have been to physical therapy multiple times. When I decided to return to work after a 20+ year absence, I knew I had to go back to school because many of my skills had perished, and I had no recent work experience. I wanted to help people, work first shift, make decent money, and have a career that would make me happy. Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant ticked all the boxes. Blackhawk has a great reputation, and my sister graduated from here, so I knew it was a good place to consider. Since it was also one of the few colleges in the area that even offered a Physical Therapy program of any type, I decided to pick the best and come here.
How has Blackhawk helped you to pursue or complete your goals?
My goal is to help people. Blackhawk is going to give me the tools I need to help others. Plus, if one of your goals, like mine, is to eat delicious spicy cheese curds, then Debb is making them down in the Canteen on campus. Tell her Derek sent you.
Have you had to overcome any obstacles or challenges on your educational journey?
I am not going to list any last names, but T-Rex, Trash, Ethen, Clara, Bree, Short-straw, Brandon, and Abby have all been a daily struggle. Jaden and Ashley are challenges within a challenge. Other than my cohort 😉 and being older, no major obstacles. The fact that I can write this and joke with and about my cohort helps me to overcome the real obstacles I face, like lack of enough time to get things done and trying to understand complicated material. We are all in this together and help each other out and bag on each other daily. The joking relieves stress and keeps things light. I love my cohort; they are the best!
Are you involved in any student organizations or extracurricular activities at Blackhawk?
Yes. I am involved with a few organizations, and I have been the president of the Veterans Club for the last year and a half. I participate in the Student Government Organization, and I am a senator for both the Veterans Club and PTK. I was selected to be on the Advisory Board for Blackhawk and did that for a year. I would love to play basketball for Blackhawk, but I get winded just climbing stairs, and I have no athletic skills.
Are there any academic achievements that you’ve been proud to accomplish in your time at Blackhawk?
I was asked to be a tutor for Anatomy and Physiology and have done that for the last year and a half. I have never been as proud as I was last spring when some of the students I tutored nominated me for an award given by the school. At the ceremony to receive the award, I was also given another for academic achievement that stemmed from a few teachers’ nominations. I basically blew off high school, so to get good grades as an adult is something I am very proud of.
Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.
I know a few dad jokes. If you see me, ask me and I will tell you one.
What advice do you have for other individuals who are considering Blackhawk?
Whether it’s a bridge to a four-year school or to get your degree in one of the programs offered, do it. The school has great people, great clubs, great resources, and I hear there is a guy who wanders the halls telling dad jokes if you ask.
Who is your biggest influence?
My wife. She motivates me to be a better person.
When do you plan to graduate and what are your plans for life after Blackhawk?
Spring of 2026 (God willing). I would like to work for at least a few years helping people regain strength and mobility like I have, through skilled physical therapy care. My ultimate plans after I graduate are to wake, eat, work, eat again, sleep, repeat, and hang out with my wife.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, which food would you pick?
I thought that there was only one food… pizza. There are others?
If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?
George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, or Theodore Roosevelt… if one of them were available. Otherwise, dinner with my wife is always good and she buys me pizza!
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I have been to Mount Rushmore, been in the head of the Statue of Liberty, and touched the Liberty Bell. I have also married the girl of my dreams. There is little else to do except to graduate and help others.