About a month or two ago I had the amazing opportunity embark on this journey with Nike Chicago. They told me they had an idea to launch a school and I instantly I had a look of confusion but was still intrigued. Fast forward a month later, I was invited to be a Faculty Member/ Host for the launch of the Nike School Chicago program. We started the campaign with a dinner and the next day it was time for first rounds of Orientation.
Welcome to Nike School Chicago.
WE HAD TWO ORIENTATIONS, TO GET YOU READY FOR SCHOOL…
Since this was Nike’s first real activation since 2020 it was only right that Nike Lab was transformed into the NS:C Student Union. It served as a hub for students and myself to have access to an always on bookstore, access to new product and it served as the space to showcase our community work. It was during these days that I got a chance to meet the students that would be taking a part of the program. Little did I know that we would become closer as the program went on. It was probably the first time in my life that I was called, “Miss Davis.” As the weeks went on, the students got to know me and I them. We were on this adventure together.
STUDY HALL #1: WE FOUND OUR CREATIVE STYLE
This week was new for all of us. I was a nervous wreck but you guys probably couldn't tell but I always had a fear of speaking in front of a huge crowd and this experience helped me get over my fears. This weeks challenge was to find five images that showcase your creative style. And you guys really came up with some stuff of course we had some technical issues but we got through it together. We also had my girl Mia Lee, who is an interdisciplinary artist come through and tell you about how she creates her amazing art.
STUDY HALL #2: BUILDING YOUR CREATIVE STORY
I always have some type of story to tell and this week we tapped into storytelling. I told you all about the inspiration behind my Nike Air Max 97 and King Marie gave us insight into why story telling is important in her career as an artist and DJ. You guys dreamed big this evening with stories about the Nike Tailwind to the Air Jordan 11, even Nike Dunks inspired by a community garden. King Marie and me were inspired by your stories and it was dope full circle moment because we both met at a Nike event four years ago!
STUDY HALL #3: EXPANDING YOUR CREATIVE STORY WITH A TWIST
This was our final week together and over the past month I got a chance to connect with all of the students in the program. It was super cool seeing you all transition from Day 1 of Orientation to damn near expert level at the end of Study Hall #3. This class was supposed to be about you guys expanding on our last creative story BUT instead the team thought it was important to hear from you and what you thought about the program thus far, share your passions, what you wanted to see next and how Nike could further help you and others in their careers. This was a special night for me becuase just like you I had conquered a fear and met some lifelong friends. And trust me I'll be rooting for you guys!!!
THANK YOU.
Thank you Nike Chicago, thank you to the students and every one involved with NS:C. Thank you for believing in me to kick off one of your passion projects. Thank you guys for pushing me on the other side of fear which is the glow up.
What's next?
Signed, Just a girl from the Westside of Chicago.