Why Nick Wears
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
This was Nick’s favorite jacket in high school. It said all the right things; it was confident, fun, bold, and unique. Nick adopted his style from Kenny, a garbage man who was also an extremely talented golfer.
Nick, a former caddy, met Kenny on Nantucket Island at a highly prestigious and ultra-exclusive golf course. Kenny played golf any chance he could. As a garbage man, he did not make much money. Seeing Kenny’s love for the game, one of the club members paid for his yearly membership so he could play for free.
Nick and the club members loved Kenny’s attitude. He was positive, loved life and treated everyone with the utmost respect.
The private golf club held an annual member-guest tournament. Some club members would put on an extravagant show; flying their guests in on private jets, trying to out-impress everyone else.
Second day of the tournament, Kenny shows up in an all pink suit: pink shoes, pink pants, pink shirt. He was making his statement: he was a garbage man, he had the worst clubs in the bag and was going to out-golf everyone there.
When Nick saw the wild, multi-colored jacket at a clothing store, it reminded him of Kenny’s bold statement and attitude. He fell in love with the jacket and immediately bought it. It was fun. It made him feel free. Sporting the jacket was Nick’s way of saying, “I’m going to live life my way.”
Nick wearing the jacket was not without controversy. Several people hated it. He was told to take it off. He was called homosexual slurs, he was berated… Eventually enough people psychologically wore him down to the point he gave in to the harsh criticism and voices. He stopped wearing the Kenny-inspired jacket. He hung it up in the closet where it remained for years…
Over time, Nick began to hear his own voice louder and louder – the voice that told him to pursue his dreams, no matter what others thought. He followed his calling and those derogatory voices were silenced. Nick put the jacket on.
Today, Nick wears the jacket every event he speaks; encouraging others to ignore the outside critics and own who they are.
Just like his own experiences in high school, many students hide who they are. They do not pursue their life goals and dreams. Most young adults only want to be accepted and avoid criticism; the opinions and pressures of others sometimes guide them in the wrong direction in life. Nick’s mission is to change this thought process. He wants students living to their full potential, unafraid to be who they are and show their true colors.
Nick believes when students learn to love themselves and own their individuality, they will be much happier, live life to the fullest and share their true gifts with the world.
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