Blake Gentry hails from a rural town that is “so small that until a few months ago it had only one traffic light.”

In terms of distance to a college or university, Gentry’s hometown, Trion, is much closer to several other schools that he could have chosen to attend this fall.

But the 18-year-old Trion High School graduate doesn’t mind making the 50-minute commute from his home to Dalton State. So far, the Radiological Technology major is finding school well worth the drive.

“I’m very pleased with my decision to come here,” says Gentry, who visited several other colleges last spring before deciding on Dalton State.

“When I saw how the students were interacting on this campus, I could see myself here,” he recalls. “I really like the atmosphere.”

It’s a definite balancing act, but Gentry also manages to find time to work at SkateLife in Rome, Georgia, where he has been able to channel his passion for recreational skateboarding into a part-time – two to three days a week – job.

“I’ve had a number of jobs in high school, but because of my interest in skateboarding, this one has been my favorite,” he says, adding that he has always believed that it’s best to have a job doing something you enjoy.

“That’s why I’ve decided that I’d like to major in Radiological Technology. I enjoyed my high school physiology class and really enjoyed studying anatomy and learning about bones. I think that this will be a way I can help people while doing something I enjoy.”

Gentry believes that “you can never be too educated.” In keeping with that philosophy, he does not expect to stop learning after he finishes his Rad Tech degree.

“I plan to finish my two-year degree here, but then I’d like to take it to the next level. I’d also like to earn a degree in computer networking in the future.”

In his spare time, Gentry enjoys weightlifting, a skill that he honed at his father’s knee.

“My father was a body builder when he was in his twenties,” Gentry says. “Beginning in high school, I have been on several teams, and it’s a great feeling to know your personal strength and what you’re capable of. Weightlifting gives you self confidence and a sense of achievement. I love everything about it.”

In addition to his physical workouts, Gentry makes it a point to try to eat healthy meals – which he admits he hasn’t always done – and to strike a good balance between “body and mind.”
“I believe that the healthier you are, the happier you are.”

Gentry, who values friends and family above all, says that in many ways his goals for his life are simple.

“I’m a very content person. What I really want in life is to get on my feet, find someone to share my life with, and have a simple, quiet life. I’m happiest when I’m making other people happy.”