“The circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.”
Pokémon fans will probably recognize that famous quote. It’s particularly meaningful to Blake Smith, the 2026 President’s Distinguished Scholar for PCC’s Fremont campus. He says this idea has carried him through changes and challenges as he raises two kids and charts his career path.
Blake graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in sociology. He made the President’s List every semester throughout his studies and received the Outstanding Sociology Student Award. While working as a CNA to care for his own children, he made time to become involved with Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Blake says his challenges as a parent of children with complex needs and as someone who experienced a traumatic brain injury helped form the cornerstone for his personal growth and professional aspirations.
He chose PCC because it made higher education feel possible. Through his work, he wants to make things feel possible for families who are navigating similar experiences: Bridge gaps that can feel insurmountable. Amplify their voices. Encourage small steps that grow into significant progress.
In addition to completing his bachelor’s degree in sociology, he’d like to earn another degree in psychology and become a social worker in children's hospitals or a disability advocate. He also hopes to expand his career into legislative advocacy.
