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