Graphic by Tess Greenberg
When Syracuse University sophomore Dylan Steele arrived at the Hancock International Airport on Sept. 24, he’d just left his last class of the day. He sat away from those in his terminal—hood up, AirPods in, waiting for his boarding group to be called. His laptop was open, but he couldn’t think about what was on the screen because he knew what he was preparing to do as soon as he stepped off the plane. He was flying to Nashville, Tennessee to perform the opening set for The Chainsmokers at Vanderbilt University.
Once he could settle his mind, he glanced back at his laptop screen at a remotely assigned American Sign Language (ASL) exam due by midnight. His cursor hovered over the multiple-choice options as he closely analyzed each video for signs he recognized. Despite everything on his mind, the SU DJ sensation knew school was his priority.
Steele, who is majoring in the Bandier Program at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, is a multidisciplinary student while still finding the time to passionately DJ. His stage name is DJ Amplitude: a testament to the energy he brings to his crowds. Somehow, Steele is able to balance the spontaneous traveling DJ lifestyle with his rigorous curriculum.
“I know it’s vague, but in a typical week I am very busy,” Steele said. “I’ve got school and my classes during the day, and then I’m really focused on my social media, producing music and studying after that.”
During his campaign to win the opening slot for The Chainsmokers concert at Vanderbilt, he said it was the most overwhelmed he’s ever felt. The competition to win the opening spot was a tough one. Any DJ from any university was allowed to enter the competition, and whoever could raise the most money for the Mary Parrish Center—a Tennessee support group dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and/or human trafficking—would have the opportunity to play the opening set.
“I was going through a lot during school with a heavy workload and a bunch of exams that week. It took a lot of my time posting on social media, thinking of ideas, posting on stories, emailing the chancellor, emailing every contact in my phone,” Steele said. “That was my primary focus, and school was pushed to the side.”
Steele pulled out all the stops to win the opening slot for The Chainsmokers. In total, he raised $19,385 across 164 donations. He said he received support from friends in the Bandier program, SU alumni, professors and his friends.
Through all of this, Steele stayed on top of his work. He thanks his Google Calendar for remembering his due dates and assignments while planning gigs.
“Time management has become one of the most crucial skills I’ve learned,” Steele said. “I don’t just put my assignments and homework on it, but I include my to-do list, strategy plans, goals, calls and other activities. It’s so much easier than having it all bunched up in your head.”
He meticulously adds every event to his calendar and checks it constantly, especially when making plans. Steele still maintains a strong social life while juggling his schoolwork and DJ responsibilities.
For Steele, keeping close friends who understand you on a deeper level is important to help you work through personal problems, and said it's even better when you have family to support you and your goals.
“One of the most crucial things for me is that I have a very supportive family,” said Steele. “Just having people that you can ask for advice when you’re super busy or just to ask what they have done in the past to finish a task.”