What is your name? Where did you grow up and what high school did you attend?
My name is Dustin Sokolik. I was born in Janesville and raised in South Beloit. I attended South Beloit High School.
Why did you choose to attend Blackhawk Technical College?
I’ve had family members and friends share their experiences with me from attending Blackhawk to continue their education, and their referrals led to my decision to attend.
What is your area of study? Is there something that drew you to the program?
I am a part of the Web Software Development program. Ever since watching McGee hack away on “NCIS,” I wondered how the “behind the scenes” worked with things like websites, apps and video games.
How do you hope to use what you’ve learned in your program in your internship?
Only about half of learning Software Development is learning the languages needed to create. The other half is problem-solving, project management and teamwork. I hope to be able to bring both halves to the table to learn and develop with Blackhawk’s Marketing Team.
What do you hope to learn during your internship?
The main thing I hope to learn during my internship is the project management portion. Being able to work with a team, identify the problems, and really be able to learn different thought processes on how to attack different problems to find the best solution.
How has Blackhawk helped you to pursue or complete your goals?
Blackhawk has provided me with numerous resources and an incredible staff that has been able to help me with any questions I have had.
Have you had to overcome any obstacles or challenges on your educational journey?
I think most people do. Learning something brand new is hard and trying to balance a full-time job, school and a personal life is definitely a challenge.
Are there any academic achievements that you’ve been proud to accomplish in your time at Blackhawk?
Making the President’s list almost every semester that I have been a student at Blackhawk.
When do you plan to graduate and what are your plans for life after Blackhawk?
I plan on graduating in May. From there, I plan on transferring to Lakeland University to continue my education and get my bachelor’s degree.
Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.
I once gave a speech about student mental health in front of thousands of people at the Illinois state capitol building, with a large part of the audience being the state congressional representatives.
Who is your biggest influence?
It is hard to just pick one. My family is full of hard workers who care for others more than themselves, and I’ve always just looked up to that mindset.
If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?
Either my Grandpa or Johnny Cash
What's one song that must always be on your playlist?
“Sunflower Seeds” by Bryce Vine
If you could hang out with any movie character, who would you choose and why?
Captain Jack Sparrow because I would love the adventure!
What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?
“Tom & Jerry”
Who is your favorite Muppet?
Oscar the Grouch
What is your favorite video game?
“Rocket League”
What is your favorite pizza topping?
Pineapple, Canadian Bacon
What/who is your favorite sports team or pro athlete?
Green Bay Packers
Who is your favorite comic book character?
The Green Arrow
If you could have any superpower, which one would you pick?
It’s a toss-up - either the ability to fly or breathe underwater.
What is your dream vacation destination?
Stavanger Norway (Just look it up, trust me)
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
To visit every continent and see life from all angles
If aliens landed on Earth, who would you recommend they talk to?
Mr. Rogers. If there was anyone the world can lay our trust in, it is Mr. Rogers.