Keith Becker

Turns out there really is such a thing as a New York Minute. Time flew during those six days in the Big Apple, but it was a week full of learning and soaking and doing. More than anything, it showed me that I’m on the right track, and what’s out there waiting for me as long as I take advantage of it. The future is exciting.

I saw agencies that were inspiring (and reaffirmed my love of advertising) and others that made me feel depressed. I saw a Broadway show that had me in stitches for hours, but only after waiting in line for five hours to get affordable tickets. I roamed through the concrete jungle of Manhattan, and then found my oasis in a jog through Central Park. Like Dave Koranda says, New York offers the best and worst of everything.

Before this trip I didn’t think I wanted to live in New York. Although I sometimes dreamed I was Ben from How to Make it in America. Now I see it as the apex of the industry. Who would I be if I didn’t give it a shot?

Even though I don’t think my lungs could take more than a year or two of the smog, I feel like I owe it to myself to reach for the stars. Life is about taking chances, getting out of your comfort zone, and at least in our jobs, making things.

This is what’s so great about our program, and Deb as its leader. Her energy is infectious, and we can’t help but find inspiration in just about anything and turn that kernel of an idea into a living thing. We #BuildShit. And that’s why we rock.

It’s no surprise that the agencies that got my juices flowing the most were the ones who were constantly producing. We didn’t get into this business to have meetings about meetings. We want to get our hands dirty.

Finding out how different agencies live and which kind of place I want to live at (because sadly I’ll see my coworkers more than I’ll see my girlfriend) was my biggest takeaway. Do I want a simple 9 to 5 cubicle life? Or do I want organized chaos where an idea can come from anyone, anyplace at anytime? Even if it means long hours, I’ll take a place that stimulates creativity and fun over boring and straightforward any day of the week. Because there’s a chance I’ll be at the office any day of the week.

You were great, New York. I’ll be back for more soon.