Blake Durr - Edwardsville, Ill.
In anticipation of beginning his life as a full-time college student, Blake Durr was most looking forward to one thing: Freedom. What he wasn’t expecting was how many other amazing things his college experience at SIUE would bring him.
Blake has been a student at SIUE not once, but twice–after starting in 2005 he took time off to join the Air Force, returning to school in 2008. When asked why he kept coming back to SIUE he said, “Everything just fell into place.”
“Being from Edwardsville, I initially thought I wanted to go away for school, but I made an instant connection with SIUE. The administrative staff were all extremely helpful and it all seemed to work out perfectly.”
Blake is a firm believer that if you are doing what you enjoy, you are on the right track. He has chosen geography as his major because he is passionate about studying the world around him and improving the environment in a meaningful way. He has taken this passion outside of the classroom with an on-campus job that fits with his interests—naturally. Blake works in The Gardens at SIUE, tending to the organic vegetable garden, transplanting flowers and maintaining the garden’s many beautiful elements.
“I value my time in The Gardens so much. It is the perfect complement to my studies, and I feel like each element of my life is enhanced by the other,” said Blake.
Blake encourages everyone to spend some time in The Gardens. “It’s a great place for reflection—and pulling weeds.” Volunteer opportunities are always available, in fact, that’s how Blake got his start.
When he isn’t studying the earth, or working with the earth, Blake is doing his part to save it. He participates in the Student Organization for Sustainability (SOS), a student group on a mission to educate others about earth-friendly practices.
In the future, Blake plans to use the knowledge and experience he has gained in and out of the classroom at SIUE to start his own business.
“I feel drawn to providing a service to people, incorporating what I’ve learned about the earth and the environment during college.”
Hear What Other Students Have to Say About SIUE
