The last time I went to New York was for my school’s 8th grade spring break trip. That was ten years ago. As we all know, a lot changes in a decade. For instance, I’m more mature now. Before, my friends and I would make verbal note of each “adult shop” we spotted. Now, I’ll just make mental notes.

Short of visiting Ellis Island and the Ground Zero Memorial, I don’t remember much of my time off the bus. The entire trip was one big blur of being shuttled from site to site and being treated like, well, a 13 year old. Not exactly the ideal experience for a visit to one of the world’s greatest cities.

This trip, though, this is something special. 108 motivated, creative students experiencing a city, an industry, and hundreds of different cultures will not be easily forgotten.

P.S. If you bring a selfie stick, I’ll break it.