When Marlon joined Flight 000, he already had a strong interest in photography, film, and video production, but he was still exploring how far his creativity could really go. Inspired by Chicago’s iconic landscapes and drawn to visual storytelling as a way to spotlight social causes and empower communities, Marlon entered ABLOH AIR eager to learn, collaborate, and grow alongside other young creatives. From early on, the cohort became a defining part of his experience. Being surrounded by peers with shared backgrounds, goals, and ambitions helped Marlon grow more comfortable putting his ideas into the world. “I feel more comfortable sharing ideas without fear of judgment,” he reflected. That sense of trust and collective support encouraged him to experiment, take creative risks, and push beyond his comfort zone.“We all pushed each other to be better,” he shared. As the program unfolded, Marlon saw his creative vision expand. Through collaboration, hands-on practice, and access to new tools and resources, his approach to photography grew more ambitious and refined. He also formed meaningful connections with fellow cohort members − relationships he sees continuing well beyond the program. By the end of Flight 000, Marlon left with more than new skills. He gained confidence in his voice, clarity in his direction, and a stronger sense of how his creative passions can translate into real opportunities. He moves forward from ABLOH AIR energized, supported by the community, and ready to continue building a future rooted in visual storytelling.“I can now offer new services to people because I have the resources to offer my photography to them. I see the Flight 000 experience shaping my next 3-5 years by allowing me and giving me the confidence in making a hobby something I can actually do for the rest of my life” – Marlon, ABLOH AIR, Flight 000

When joining Flight 000, Moriah worried about her lack of career direction, not knowing at all where she wanted to focus after high school. She had several creative interests, which she did not view as a part of a viable career path. She hesitantly weighed the medical field as a “somewhat” satisfactory and well-paying path.That all changed as Moriah joined her peers as part of the inaugural ABLOH AIR cohort. Surrounded by other young creatives and mentors who took her passions seriously, she began to see her gifts differently. She embraced letting go of perfectionism, relished the messy exchange of ideas with her peers, and saw more possibilities for herself under the guidance of mentors.These shifts also showed up in her self-evaluation, where she reported significant gains in her confidence and access to a community that supports her goals.Most importantly, her vision for her career expanded from seeking something merely satisfactory, like the medical field, to pursuing work that truly makes her happy. When asked what she’s learned most from ABLOH AIR, she responded with clarity, “You don’t have to limit yourself to what people limit you to.” Moriah plans to continue to grow her skills in music and sewing, which she views as “not just developing a project but developing an upcoming artist.”“I’m learning to take a chance on myself.” – Moriah, ABLOH AIR, Flight 000

When Jalen joined Flight 000, he already had a sense that his future lived in the worlds of music and fashion, but the path there felt fuzzy. He joined ABLOH AIR, excited to meet new people, but not fully prepared for how “eye-opening” and expansive it would be for his career goals.For Jalen, a lover of fun and people, part of the gift of ABLOH AIR came through the challenge it brought. “There were moments when things felt uncertain or challenging, but having faith helped me push through and stay grounded.” Along the way, he found real strength in the support and exchange of ideas with his peers and began to “see everything coming together” in a more concrete way.The international trip was a key turning point for Jalen, personally and professionally, as he felt himself more rooted in who he wanted to be and more certain that the creative world was where he belonged. In Jalen’s own words, “I went to the trip one way and came back another.”Jalen’s transformation also shows up in his creative expression. “When I came to the program, I had never made a beat in my life. I had tried, but I never actually made one,” he shared. “And now, today, I’ll be showcasing three of my beats.” He leaves Flight 000 not only more confident in his path, but with original work he can proudly claim as his own.Jalen is excited to build on those three beats as he continues to grow his portfolio of work.“I went on the trip one way and came back another.”– Jalen, ABLOH AIR Flight 000

Before joining Flight 000, Dereon was already exploring photography, film, and video production as tools for expression, but he was still refining how his creativity could be used to create impact. Deeply inspired by the work and philosophy of Virgil Abloh, Dereon sees visual storytelling as a way to address societal issues and spark meaningful conversations within his community. From the beginning, the cohort played a central role in his experience.What started as a group of peers quickly became something deeper. “They are a creative family to me,” Dereon shared, describing the sense of loyalty, trust, and mutual support that defined his time in the program. Being surrounded by other creatives pushed him to reflect, learn, and grow − not just artistically, but personally. “When collaborating, I learned life lessons,” he noted. As Dereon engaged more deeply with the program, he found himself inspired by the creativity and ambition of those around him. Watching his peers take risks and pursue their ideas helped him gain clarity about his own direction and strengthened his confidence in what he wants to build next. “I’ve been inspired by my peers… I’m ready to go forward,” he said. Dereon leaves Flight 000 with a stronger sense of purpose, deeper creative relationships, and a lasting connection to the community he built. The experience has become a foundational chapter in his journey − one that continues to shape how he creates, collaborates, and moves forward.“With the equipment I purchased, I was able to bring people together for headshots on campus. The Flight 000 Grant has easily supported me to financially reach my photography goals, overcoming my personal burden of financial growth in my creative interest.”– Dereon, ABLOH AIR Flight 000