Chicago’s arts and music scene is a vibrant breeding ground for talent. But it’s not always an easy road for a young artist to receive recognition.
Dorian Mays wants to change that one day. The 18-year-old Kendall College student from Matteson dreams of starting a business that helps struggling artists and musicians “reach beyond their street.”
“In today’s economy, they aren’t able to get to where they want to be, to achieve they want to achieve,” he said.
Mays, a graduate of Southland College Prep High School in Richton Park, is one of this year’s recipients of one of the Chicago college’s Dean’s Scholarship, which is awarded to students who “demonstrate a commitment to and passion for their field of study” in a written essay and an interview with the dean, according to Kendall College.
The scholarship covers 35 percent of tuition, according to the college. Kendall College is a for-profit institution for higher education known largely for its culinary program. But it also has majors in other areas, such as business, hospitality management and education.
For now, Mays plans to focus on his classes and work toward his degree in business. But, he said, he wants to start building his “next big thing” soon.
More Top Picks Projector
Mays hailed from Little Rock, Arkansas before moving to the Chicago suburbs. His mother serves in the Air Force and was transferred to Japan, he said.
He had spent summer vacations in the Chicago area and grew to like the area. He chose to live with his father and stepmother in the south suburbs, starting in the eighth grade.
Moving to Chicago has changed his perspective, Mays said.
Even waiting at a Blue Line “L” stop can introduce you to a new street musician, he said.
“It opened my eyes artistically and musically,” he said.
Mays said he was planning to go to Kendall College even before they offered the scholarship, but the money ended up being more generous than he could have expected.
When not studying, Mays said he plays the guitar and listens to TED Talks, a series of speeches from expert speakers on education, business and other fields.
Mays said there’s a range of talented artists playing different kinds of music, he listens to an eclectic mix.
“Yes, even country,” he said.
Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.