Hometown: Decatur, Ga.

Davidson Destined?

Blake Candler '13 is a third-generation Davidsonian, following his father and grandfather. He liked the idea of coming to Davidson but also explored other options. "Legacy alone is not a good reason to attend a college. You have to make sure the school's a good fit for you." He found Davidson an ideal home for reasons of his own. "The community environment was especially inviting. That warmth coupled with the fact that we are service-oriented is what appealed to me."

Getting into Giving
Whether it's teaching at the elementary school or building with Habitat for Humanity, Blake Candler is hands-on. Aside from Habitat, he's volunteered at the Davidson Farmers Market for two years, is the SAE fraternity's sustainability chair and is an event coordinator for Building Tomorrow. "Volunteering is an opportunity to be with friends. Days at Habitat are the best part of my week!"

Vive la France!
Junior year he'll be in France with the Davidson Tours program. "I hope to one day work for the UN with human rights. In high school I remember learning about the Declaration of Human Rights and to me it makes so much sense. Everyone is entitled to basic rights and it seems obvious that those more privileged and in a position to should defend these rights."

Setting Sights on Service
For Candler, service is a passion and a priority. What motivates his mission?

"In eighth grade myself and 18 others were at the beach when we got caught in a rip current and pulled out to sea. One person started seizing, another could hardly swim. We were terrified and each wanted to get back to shore but collectively decided to make sure all of us returned safely. Collaboratively we helped those struggling and ultimately made it to dry land. That experience strengthened my faith in God and the human spirit. We are all interdependent. Together individuals can accomplish more than they imagine and helping others is possible in any environment. Davidson is a community that recognizes this and I'm glad to be apart of it."