Welcome to our “Get to Know Blackhawk” series, which uses a Q&A format to showcase the diverse and talented individuals within the college community.
What is your name and where did you grow up?
My name is Rachel Gomez, and I grew up in Beloit.
What is your role at Blackhawk Technical College?
I am the new Welcome Center Assistant. :)
What was your journey to this role? Where did you go to school? What did you study?
I was homeschooled for my high school years, and I attended the Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin (ALAW) from the Barron Area School District. Before coming here, I worked as a receptionist and sterilization tech for two years at a dental office.
Is there something that drew you to this career?
The atmosphere. When I had my interview, everyone was so welcoming, open and resourceful! It felt as if I were already part of Blackhawk. From that moment, I knew I wanted to work here.
What motivated you to apply for this position at Blackhawk?
In my previous job, I enjoyed working with patients, making sure they felt welcomed and heard regarding their treatment. That was something that I wanted to continue doing. I am shy and kind of awkward at times, but I wanted to keep learning how to handle all sorts of situations, meet new people with different backgrounds, and help them in any way I can. Blackhawk offers all of that.
What is something Blackhawk offers its students that you feel other colleges do not?
Something that I learned here in my first couple of days is how flexible the courses are. It gives opportunity to those who have very busy schedules. I also love that throughout the whole education process, students have the support they need to reach their goals.
What is your life like outside of work? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?
I come from a family of five. I have two younger brothers, and we are really close. We have two pets, a leopard gecko named Angus and a cockatiel named Goonther. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends, playing card games and video games, going to arcades, reading, drawing, longboarding, dancing… the list goes on! I also love to bake, so I try to do that once a week on the weekends. As a Jehovah’s Witness, I dedicate much of my time to the ministry, sharing and teaching the good news the Bible offers. Truly a pleasure of mine!
Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.
Although I grew up in Beloit, I was born in California and within the first year of my life, I had lived in Texas and Florida before my family decided to move to Wisconsin.
What is your favorite color? Why?
My favorite color is yellow. To me, yellow is a happy color. It is dainty, welcoming, and warm. Half of my room is painted yellow, too. I just love the color!
What is your favorite quote?
“It’s better to be held than holding on.” - The Rose, She’s In The Rain
Do you play any musical instruments?
I do. I grew up playing the violin, cello, and a bit of piano. I don’t play as often as I used to, but I do enjoy it from time to time! I also love to sing!
What is your favorite movie?
I’m not a huge movie watcher, but I’d choose “Tarzan.”
Who is your favorite Muppet?
I’d have to say Kermit. He is such a mood and I have a friend who can impersonate him pretty well!
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, which food would you pick?
I would choose to eat Piñon (Puerto Rican lasagna) or anything with plantains, really!
Do you have a favorite video game?
Yes, at the moment, it’s a tie between “Minecraft” and “Lethal Company.”
What is your favorite pizza topping?
I’m a simple gal - cheese and pepperoni is the way to go!
Who is your favorite artist or piece of art?
I don’t really have a favorite artist or piece of art, but anything floral is hard to beat in my book!
Otherwise, my favorite artist musician-wise, I’d have to go with Laufey for the soft vibes. If I want to feel hyped up, my go-to is ATEEZ.
What/who is your favorite book or author?
“The Little House on the Prairie” book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose to be a parakeet. I love the idea of warbling and singing all day. They seem to be content with their lives when they do.
What is your dream vacation destination?
I would love to go to either Prague, the Czech Republic or Iceland.
If you could pick any foreign country to travel to, which one would you pick?
No doubt, I’d pick South Korea.
If aliens landed on Earth, who would you recommend they talk to?
Gordan Ramsay