Finding Purpose: The Journey of Dr. Blake Soller

When Dr. Blake Soller graduated from Chesterton High School, he wasn’t sure what he wanted out of life. Like many young adults, he experimented with different paths—an HVAC apprenticeship and work at the Dunes National Lakeshore—but nothing felt right. What did capture his interest was the United States Military, a decision that ultimately shaped not only his career but also his sense of purpose.

From Military Service to Mentorship

During his time in the military, Soller became one of only about 250 dog trainers, a unique role that unexpectedly sparked his love for teaching. At first, he focused on training animals, but soon realized his true strength was in guiding people.

“At 22, someone told me I should’ve been a teacher,” Soller recalls. “At the time, I laughed it off. But over the years, I noticed how much I enjoyed helping others learn. I realized what I valued most was mentoring people who didn’t always have someone to step in and guide them.”

This realization planted the seeds for what would later become his career in education.

The Role of Education and Support

Encouraged by his wife, Soller began taking college classes. What started with just two courses grew into a 12-year journey through higher education, eventually leading him to earn a PhD in education in 2019.

Looking back, he admits he wasn’t a standout student in high school. That transformation, he says, is what drives him to support his students today.

“I want to give others the chance to experience the same growth I did,” he explains. “When I began teaching, I realized my goal wasn’t just to cover lessons—it was to listen, to understand, and to be a mentor.”

Soller first served as the Director of Instructional Technology at Valparaiso University before deciding to step into the classroom full time. Today, he teaches English at Chesterton High School, the very place where his own journey began.

Life Beyond the Classroom

Outside of teaching, Soller enjoys diving into true crime and fantasy novels, working on his own books, and volunteering through Chesterton United Methodist Church. He plays an active role in the church youth group and participates in Jacob’s Table, a program that provides community meals.

He credits his parents for instilling in him the value of helping others, and his wife for being his greatest source of encouragement throughout his journey.

A Message of Encouragement

Despite his many accomplishments, Soller remains humble.

“Sometimes I feel like my successes happened by accident,” he admits. “But I remind myself it’s not about recognition—it’s about helping people. My advice is simple: don’t get discouraged when things don’t go as planned. Sometimes you’ll work hard and still stumble, but that’s part of the journey. The right passion or mentor often comes when you least expect it.”

Final Thoughts

Dr. Blake Soller’s story is a reminder that purpose doesn’t always arrive in a straight line. From military service to the classroom, his path was shaped by unexpected turns, persistence, and the encouragement of others. Today, he not only teaches English but also mentors the next generation, proving that even uncertain beginnings can lead to fulfilling and meaningful destinations.