Commitment, Patience, and Perseverance
The reason for this mammoth smile, this amazing smile you’re looking at, is that this young person has begun living her dream.
Several months ago, during a freezing cold spell…there I was pulled over in the parking lot of Panera, walking around behind my yellow FJ, at 9 pm on a Friday night. I was talking to a creative director about what makes Portfolio Center different and what a student from here is going to be able to offer. In the same breath, I asked that CD to see Audrey, explaining: …talented, yes…a girl who takes no path of least resistance…special beyond her years. Just meet her.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Two and a half years ago, I made a speech in Austin, Texas. This girl, she came all the way up from San Antonio to hear me. The spirit moved her, and I saw a sample of this smile for the very first time that night. She came to Portfolio Center, where I promised then that she would find her dream. And yes! that is a lot to promise.
And, as another dreamer, Walt Disney, once said, A dream is a wish your heart makes. Well, this girl’s heart had a dream, all right.
She loved sports, particularly soccer—-is a soccer zealot. She played in college there in Texas and on a semi-pro team here while in school.
She worked hard. She asked a thousand questions, knew where every book in my office was. She checked ‘em out and put ‘em back, one by one. Beyond her own school work, she dedicatedly worked for me her entire two years and was an amazing student worker. (Which, you might imagine, is no easy task.) She has a wit and humor to kill for. She is countless superlatives… she epitomizes so many of the students of Portfolio Center.
As with most of our students, laughter and tears conjoined along the way.
The smile you are looking at is the smile of a girl who loves design, has a huge passion for soccer and sports, never takes the easy way out, and always keeps faith. Audrey is a real champion, surely my champion — and the newest junior designer for NIKE corporation!
So, here is a new tag line for her: You did it.
I believe education must fulfill the promise it makes.
Congratulations, Audrey!
Hank.
congratulations Audrey!!! mwa!
you’re incredible. can’t believe it. yes I can.
hooray audrey! remember to think of your boys in the ATL when its time to do some sneaker collabs.
hope you love it out there.
-LL
All I want to know is when I get my orange NIKE running shoes in a size 10.
Somehow it’s everything I never thought of for you, and everything I knew in my heart would be perfect for you. Good luck at Nike and make Texas proud!
Go Aud!
You continue to be a massive inspiration to us all, Audrey. Congratulations on this incredible opportunity!
Congrats Aud! We are so proud of you. You can still have my tag line: “play great and have fun!!”
What a wonderful description of a very special niece. Congratulations from Uncle Bill.
YAY AUDREY!!!! i’m so happy for you!
wow! I’m not sure what to say…but that is one big picture! Thank you everyone for your kind words, and yes mary I’ll be sending you some orange nikes!
If I remember correctly, the last time I was on the pc blog it was another surprise post from Hank about my concerns about being “good enough.” As cheesy as it may sound, anything is possible. I never thought I would be doing this, but here I am, here I go. If anything, I’ll be playing soccer during work hours and wearing sweats all day!
Audrey: I am so happy for you. I always knew you would end up here. Congratulations!!!!
Congrats Aud!!! If you need anything let me know. I guess I’ll see you when I come home for the holidays if you’re planning on staying in PDX. All the best of luck.
Yeah! Congrats, Aud!
Congrats Audrey! You’ll be a great additional for them, I’m sure!
What a great news! Congrats Aud!
Wow, I’m so happy for you. The Nike campus has to be the coolest place to work…I’ve been there once before and I remember watching employees out playing pick-up soccer on their lunch breaks. That’ll be you now. :0) Congratulations!!!