By: Samiya N.
Jessica and I, as the Marketing and Culture team, had the job of capturing what New York felt like for our group. We wanted to share the places we visited, the moments that stood out, and the experiences that shaped our week. However, on Day 2, we were quickly reminded that even the best plans can change.
Our original plan and what changed
The day was supposed to start with a visit to the Statue of Liberty. Since tickets were not booked ahead of time, the plan was to buy them in the morning and head out as a group. Instead, we woke up to a coastal flood warning across New York. With ferry delays and safety concerns, it became clear that our plan was no longer viable.
Rather than letting the weather slow us down, we started looking for alternatives that would still let us experience something memorable as a class. That was how we found ourselves choosing SUMMIT One Vanderbilt as our new destination.
It was open, accessible, and able to host a group of our size, so we quickly coordinated tickets and updated everyone. The shift was surprisingly smooth, and it gave us the chance to tell a completely different story than the one we expected.
Why SUMMIT One was the perfect choice
From our perspective, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt ended up being one of the best experiences of the entire trip. It offered immersive mirrored rooms, incredible views of the skyline, and interactive spaces that made the whole class feel like we were part of something special.
Even people who had been to New York before said the experience felt completely new. Everyone was taking photos and videos, and you could almost feel the excitement building as we moved through each room. It was one of those moments where the whole group was genuinely, yet pleasantly surprised. What began as a rushed backup plan ended up becoming the thing everyone kept bringing up for the rest of the week.
What we learned as the M&C team
- Embrace the unexpected
- Act quickly and communicate clearly
- Choose experiences that match the vibe of the city
Conclusion
Day 2 definitely didn’t go the way we expected, but it reminded us how far a little flexibility and teamwork can go. As the Marketing and Culture team, we were happy to help guide the group through the change and capture the moments that really showed the spirit of the trip.
New York gave us so many amazing memories, but the way that second day came together is something we’ll always remember.
