We have a very exciting graduation to celebrate!
Blake Wallis, a former Coyote Hill resident, graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in broadcast journalism in December!
Blake lived at our Harrisburg Foster Care Community from 2004 to 2007. He and his brothers, Michael and Jake, lived at the Zimmer Home with Jacob and Amy Kingery.
After graduating from high school, Blake enlisted and became a Signals Intelligence Analyst in the US Military.
When he left the military, Blake enrolled at Mizzou to study broadcasting.
We are so proud of the hard work and dedication Blake demonstrated as he worked towards his degree.
As he reflects on his college experience, Blake shared that one of the lessons he learned is that it’s okay to ask questions, especially when something is new to us.
“We get so bashful,” Blake shared, “The reality is that no one expects you to know everything.”
Blake also learned the value of finding a support system and leaning on the people around you.
“[If I could give my teenage self advice], I would tell myself to open up more,” Blake said. “Often, it felt like I was much more alone on this earth than I was.”
At Mizzou, Blake was able to make meaningful connections that he will miss as he transitions into the next stages of his career.
“I had fantastic professors and classmates that taught me so much,” Blake shared. “Those connections are really special.”
As a student, Blake focused on sports journalism. One of his favorite memories was calling a basketball game for Mizzou’s student radio station.
“It’s not an experience everyone gets to have and one that was just too much fun not think of as my favorite experience,” Blake reflected.
Looking to the future, Blake has a lot of fantastic goals that he is working towards.
“[In the] short term, I want to work for an American professional sports team,” Blake shared. “I’d like to learn that world and see if I can find my place in it. Long term, I want to build a life worth living. I have been through a lot, but I see a life of ocean fishing, sports work and spending time helping children and dogs in need.”
We are so proud of everything that Blake has accomplished! We can’t wait to cheer him on as he works towards his dreams in this next chapter!
To watch Blake’s video or read more about Blake’s story at The Hill, click here.
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