Lecture Notes: Stephen's 10-Year High School Reunion

Introduction

• Stephen's goal: impress at his high school reunion.
• App context: use a look-alike to attend events on your behalf.
• Stephen wants a more charismatic stand-in for his 10-year reunion.

Background on Stephen

• Didn't have a great time in high school.
• Was involved in music: jazz and all-state band.
• Embarrassing moment: concert costume with "chicks dig me" on the back, ended up with a wedgie.
• Feels social anxiety about attending the reunion.

Plan and Execution

Initial Steps

• Stephen's backstory: requested by his parents to move back and take over the family dental practice.
• Met by app team in Columbia, Maryland.
• Decision to send a look-alike to the reunion.

Character Building for Look-Alike

• Look-alike found via casting website.
• Look-alike: Aaron, has some music skills (plays guitar).
• Preparation: watched footage of Stephen, received his clothes, etc.
• Key changes to look-alike: shaved head, added glasses, faux tattoo that says "chicks dig me".
• Solution for potential memory gaps: gig posters around town to establish a background narrative for Aaron as a successful musician.

The Reunion

Entering the Venue

• Aaron attends the reunion as Stephen.
• People remark on Stephen’s drastic change in appearance (Aaron).
• Friend Chris helps Aaron navigate the reunion.

Interaction with Key People

• Jesse, the former popular kid: initially convinced by Aaron’s act.
• Brief success: people remarked positively about Stephen's (Aaron's) transformation.
• Unexpected encounter: Stephen's high school crush, Katie, doubts Aaron's authenticity.
• Kristen, a bandmate, isn't convinced and challenges Aaron’s identity.

Breaking Point

• Altercation with Katie and Kristen makes it clear Aaron isn’t the real Stephen.
• Performance fallout: Aaron’s guitar solo with "chicks dig me" tattoo doesn’t help.

Aftermath and Realization

• Emotional breakdown for Stephen watching the events unfold.
• Decision: Stephen confronts his fears and enters the reunion himself.
• Truth Revealed: real Stephen steps in, hesitantly greeted but then embraced by old classmates.
• Emotional conclusion: Stephen learns he’s remembered fondly and reconnects positively.
• Stephen takes another brave step by asking Katie out for coffee.

Concluding Thoughts

• Stephen’s journey reflects self-acceptance and overcoming social anxiety.
• The reunion challenged his perceptions of self-worth and friendships.
• Resulting in a reestablishment of connections and a boost in confidence.