Author: Grace McBride

If you haven’t heard, Humans of New York (HONY) is kind of a big deal. Since 2010, its creator, Brandon Stanton, has been documenting New York City strangers, no matter how elating or gruesome their stories are. The social media account has nearly 15 million followers on Facebook and 3.8 million followers on Instagram (1300+ of which are Cornellians, FYI). Therefore, it may not surprise you that the tickets for HONY at Bailey Hall sold out within two minutes.

However, even though you may claim to be the ultimate HONY fan, here are 6 facts we guarantee you didn’t already know about its incredible photojournalist.

 

1. He’s not a native New Yorker

Stanton lived in Marietta, Georgia, before moving to Chicago, and then to New York City, where he has now been for four years. So, he may not have the ‘New Yawk accent or attitude, but he’s definitely holding his own.

 

2. Saltwater aquariums are his favorite

Sharks, rays, turtles, oh my! A lot of people love the aquarium, but Stanton takes it to a whole other level. On his blog biography, he confesses that, “At some time in [his] life, [he’s] been obsessed or borderline-obsessed with saltwater aquariums. Not expecting that from a 31-year-old photographer, were you? Or maybe you were.

 

 

3. He might have received the worst award ever

More recently, it’s become normal for student’s to take four, five, or six years to finish their college degree. For Stanton, it took six at The University of Georgia where he majored in history. The best part: he has a plaque from the University for his ability to get five F’s in one semester. Hopefully it makes you feel a little bit better about your GPA here at Cornell.

 

4. His book was used as an international gift to Paris

In January, Mayor Bill de Blasio (of New York City) paid a visit to Paris, France. The mayor gave Mayor Anne Hidalgo two gifts for her hospitality: a scarf and Stanton’s Humans of New York book. We still don’t know which one she liked better.

 

5. He used his student loans to make a bet

We can’t say this is the craziest thing a college student has ever done, but betting with your student loans? I wouldn’t say it’s the smartest move. Stanton made the bet in favor of Barack Obama winning the 2008 Presidency. I guess it’s a good thing he chose a pretty ‘for-sure’ candidate.

 

6. He’s coming to Cornell

Unless you were prepared with your credit card in ECON 1101, skipped the dining hall breakfast just to make sure you had good WiFi, or convinced your lab partner to buy tickets for you while you slept in, it was nearly impossible to get tickets to see this acclaimed photojournalist. If you were one of the lucky 1,300 who got tickets to see Mr. Stanton, whether you managed to get it at the student price or you sucked it up and paid for general admission, we know where you’ll be tonight.

 
Brandon Stanton will be speaking at Bailey Hall tonight, September 11, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm