It is not every day that the opportunity arises for one to master their talents and follow their dreams. Even less frequently does the chance arise for those talents to be shared, exhibited and enjoyed by the surrounding community. When it does, its integral to seize that opportunity. However, not everybody has the confidence nor the courage required to put themselves out there and share what they love with others.
A perfect example of someone exhibiting this courage and bravery in the Niles West community is junior Taylor Dawis. Dawis, beyond his academic prowess, is an aspiring DJ, cutting and scratching music for the enjoyment of all. Though mostly confined to practicing in his room and his headphones, Dawis got his first big break last week while DJ-ing for the Annual State of the School assemblies.
Being a DJ seems to run in the family, as Dawis’ father has DJ-ed many Niles West events in the past, including dances, fundraisers, and other events.
“My dad has been DJ-ing since the 80’s. He actually did some of the dances here in the 2000s. He’s the one who got me into it; I’ve been going with him to his parties, and he’s been teaching me stuff along the way,” Dawis said.
For this reason, the full-circle effect of Dawis DJ-ing at the assembly last Thursday carries so much more weight. Not only did the connection between father and son grow stronger, but the relationship between student and school grew as well.
“I think [Dawis] was awesome. He was a great addition to the assembly. The flow, the transitions, the music choice were all very good. It definitely added to the energy in the assembly. Everyone got involved and paid attention while he was DJ-ing,” junior Armin KolarĀ said.
Though the State of the School assembly is usually seen as a more restrictive environment, where faculty lectures and students patiently wait to be dismissed, DJT, Dawis’ stage name, brought a whole new energy to the auditorium, filling it with dynamic music and, in tandem with Principal Jeremy E. Christian, a sense of optimism looking into this second semester.
“I am happy for him. This was his first [assembly]. He said that he was very nervous, but I’ve told the students all year long, all you have to do is believe and go after your dreams, and so I am hoping that him believing in himself, and him realizing that he belongs in our school, will help him to become the DJ that he wants to be,” Christian said.
To follow one’s dreams takes determination, courage and tenacity; three traits that Dawis’ hardly seems to lack. Amidst a loaded schedule of high level classes, balancing time between passion and necessity is not easy, but Dawis accomplishes this feat flawlessly. Niles West is a place that fosters passions, encourages people to follow their dreams, and creates positivity throughout the community so that students like Dawis, who have the courage to use these opportunities can succeed.