Questions, Comments, Concerns

New York is notorious for being the city of opportunity. My mom (I call her Meatloaf) told me the last time I was in the city that I would have to hustle to get here. 7 years later and I’m ready to hustle, network, and learn.

How I Prepared:

• Researched industry trends and each agency.
  
• Developed thoughtful questions and insights.
  
• Updated my portfolio.
  
• Bought a blazer. 
  

- Emily Ost, May 6

Kristen + the Big Apple

Decided to come to New York a few days in advance to explore, and I’m SO happy that I did.

This morning when I stepped outside of the YMCA hostel (yes, its fun to stay here), a wave of happiness and relief just hit me. I was finally here. I made it. NEW YORK!

Today was a whirlwind of a day. I saw the Spongebob Squarepants musical (cried) and bought a jar of Reese’s peanut butter from Hershey’s world (the most touristy thing you’ll read here) (also the peanut butter was basically JIF with a Reese’s label over it). It was a great time.

A couple times today (twice in an Uber and once with a barista) as I annoyed people with my chattiness, I was asked why I was visiting New York. “I’m actually here for an advertising trip with my school! Next week I get to visit a bunch of really great agencies and learn more about the industry.” As those words came out of my mouth I thought —

“Wow, I’m pretty damn lucky.”

I’m so excited for what is to come this week! And I’m determined to find gluten free pizza by the slice.

-kristen friis
5/5/18

On meeting your heroes

The 2017 New York Experience was my first time ever in New York.

I was intent on meeting one of my heroes at the time, YouTuber Casey Neistat. It so happened that his wife, Candice, was having pop-up launch that week for her fashion brand, Billy! After buying an overpriced shirt, my friends and I sat at the cafe next door, and a bright orange Billy Bronco pulled up to the curb.

Candice was attempting to put decals of her “Billy!” logo on the side of the car, and was getting impatient. Being ever-eager SOJC students, we took some initiative and offered to apply the decals for her. She gratefully handed us the keys and said, “go for it.”

We finished and she thanked us profusely, but she ran back inside before we could return the keys. If any of us knew how to drive stick shift, this would be a different kind of story, but we waited until Candice came out 15 minutes later.

She was so relieved that we didn’t steal her car that she invited us to come through the pop-up shop later, after it was closed to the public. 

Get invited to an exclusive semi-celebrity event on my first trip to New York? Check.

The imposter syndrome was at an all-time high when we were at the event, even though it was nowhere near as glamouous as I’m making it sound right now.

I got to meet Casey that night, because I said I would. My interactions with him weren’t exactly pleasant, but that’s alright. The highlight of the adventure turned out to be hanging out with the wonderful and personable hostess, Candice.

Bottom line: Embrace the imposter syndrome, seek adventure and be prepared for your heroes to not live up to your expectations. There are more heroes out there.

Go Ducks

- James Vos // 5.5.18

Packed and ready to fly out tomorrow - it’s finally happening! As many others have similarly noted, my most overwhelming emotion is that of gratitude for this incredible opportunity. I couldn’t feel more thankful to be traveling across the country to learn and be inspired by both industry professionals and my peers, and I can’t wait to expand my perspective towards what it means to be creative.

Here’s to the start of an eye-opening week!

- Erin Fogerty, 5.5.2018

Day 0

I’m sitting at gate C1 in PDX about to board my flight to New York and it still hasn’t hit me yet. It’s pretty surreal that a year ago this time I was a business student seeing other students go on the New York trip thinking, “Man it would be cool to do that.” Now here I am actually going, and getting the opportunity to experience it. I’m not sure if I more thrilled, nervous, anxious or somewhere in between about this trip but all I know is this will be an experience of a lifetime. Ok now its hit me. Lets do this. 

-Tyler Kastan

5/5/2018

Inspired Unknowns

I am not one hundred percent sure an agency is where I belong, so I hope to get an insider look at them and find if there is one that has a culture and work I believe in and can contribute to. Furthermore, I am looking for inspiration. Inspiration from people, agencies, architecture, and much more. I am going to immerse myself deeply in the city and this experience in order to come out with knowledge and an expanded imagination of what is possible with my experience in AD.

-brendon maier, May 5

Progress

It’s odd to think that around this time last year I was anxiously waiting to register for classes following my decision to switch my major from finance to advertising. At the time, I was worried if I was making the right decision and whether or not I would be too late to the party. Since then, I have had so many wonderful opportunities through the SOJC and have found myself surrounded by so many amazing peers and faculty that have helped me develop as a strategist but also as a human being. Now as I near the end of my undergraduate career, I am looking to this NY trip filled with confidence and eagerness to learn from the professionals whose ranks I hope to join. I am curious as to what agency life in NY is like but more importantly, I want to learn about the people behind amazing work.

Ammas Tanveer
5.5.18

Change isn’t so bad after all

This time last year, I was halfway through my spring term as a junior. I was enrolled in J342 Creative Strategist, my first taste of what advertising would be like. I had no idea which parts of the industry interested me most, or what my goals were for my future.  But as I reflect on my journey through the past year as a student, I can only be more than excited about what this upcoming trip holds for me. What an amazing opportunity I get to spend with my brilliant peers! So many experiences than I can even count, all put into one week.

But the biggest question I can ask myself is; how will this trip change me as an individual?

I’m already excited to see how much I will flourish and change within a year from now.  

-Lauren Baker

5/5/2018

Here we go.

The time has finally come. As I pack my bags and prepare myself for the trip, the idea that I will be in New York City in less than 24 hours still hasn’t quite settled in yet. With a mixture of emotions brewing, I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience one of the most lively cities in the world.

If someone told me four years ago that I would be going to New York to get a taste of what the advertising world is like, I would have called them crazy. As someone who switched majors in the middle of their college career, I’ve always had a sense of feeling behind and somewhat lost. When I made the switch from music to advertising, I had so many questions about the industry and what I was getting myself into. Now, I am overwhelmed with excitement and thankful to be involved in such an amazing program. Over the next week, I am anxious to make new connections, explore the city, and become even more curious about the field I am entering. I am looking forward to soaking up as much knowledge as I can during my time in New York and know that this be will an experience that I will never forget.

Kyle Steffens

5.05.2018