Someday I’m gonna be on TV…or the internet…or the movies. I’m not really sure. And I’m not sure why and I’m not sure when. But it’s gonna happen.

I was late for work, and despite that, I still had my mind set on Starbucks. As I was crossing the street at 31st in Manhattan I saw a single reporter and a camera man and I thought oh no, classes start in 15 minutes–I either miss my big break or an Arabic teacher was going to be without a room and markers.

I smiled at the reporter and he asked “Can we get you to do something?”

At first I thought it’d be something weird, comical, and embarrassing. “It’ll only take a minute,” he added, and I shrugged and squinted at him suspciously. “Do…something?,” I asked and with a laugh he pulled out a release form.

“We just need you to say no and walk past when we ask you to answer some questions.” Considering that’s what I was fighting to tell myself to do, I didn’t feel bad for stopping. I agreed and as I signed the release he continued, “A lot of people do say no, but we don’t have permission to show them saying no.”

“So just say no and walk past…then what?”

“Just keep walking.”

Simple enough, I thought and jumped back a few steps as the crowd of Manhattan fled from the eye of the camera. From the street corner I waited until I got the okay, and then pretended to be occupied with my folder containing class schedules and attendances. When the reporter said his “line” I shook my head with a emphathic half-frown, holding up a hand as I walked past him and the camera. “I really can’t. I’m late, sorry!”

As I got to the end of the block I heard them both yell “Thank you!”

I never felt as cool as I felt glancing over my shoulder and giving them a thumbs up.

I’m gonna be a star.