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Comment by raganwald | Hacker News Reader

I got on the cheapest flight I could find and went to the very first Startup School. And while I did not walk out and change the world, I walked out and changed my life. Streaming or not, my advice is to find your way there by hook or by crook and attend in person.

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I attended the first startup school (in Boston). There was a large gathering at YC's office the night before the talks. A few of us were still there when pg was ready to leave. Despite having never met any of us before, he let us stay, asking only that we double-check that the door locked on our way out.

I'd like to think that I would have the same trust in my attendees if I were him. Not a big deal, but a special moment that I'll never forget :)

I was there too. PG is right that the most amazing thing about them is the energy. I can really only think of two or three other times in my life where it felt like there was almost electricity in the air.

I flew in last fall and really enjoyed the experience. The the chance to meet a lot of like-minded people from all over the world (including one guy from Scotland) was worth it alone. The speakers were first-rate, including Mark Zuckerberg and the after-party was great.

If you're interested in startups, this is a great event to attend.

I was here last year and I have to say it was one of the best things I've ever attended.

The after party at YC was also pretty damn epic. So many awesome people, just a shame I felt too shy to go say Hi to pg.

you should never be too shy to say to anyone. And for what it's worth, PG was one of the easiest guys I've ever talked to.

The real problem for me isn't shyness, it's that at Startup School, PG is constantly surrounded by people who want to talk to him, and I don't want to add to that.

(But then I got lucky and ran into him at Opzi the day after Startup School.)

Same, it's not about shyness but avoiding mobbing.

To PG, Kristy, and the rest of the YC team, many thanks for providing Startup School to the community. I emailed Kristy my brief thanks after the event, but would like to explain that I attended my first Startup School last year: it was one of the best events I've ever attended. Hard to nail down the adjectives, but let me simply describe it as inspiring++. Met some great friends and people. Each speaker delivered interesting stories, perspectives, and tips. Couple of the most memorables ones for me are the Airbnb story, and Ron Conway's story of a Christmas Party with Larry and Sergey. I just found out about Startup School, HN, YC last year and am very grateful for it: thanks!

(I can't edit now but it is Kirsty: sorry)

Yeah, you shouldn't. But it happens.

For what it's worth, I don't think I'd be as shy this time 'round.

Yeah, I moved to SF from DC about a month after that one. Still here. At a third startup :)

Heh, I did the same thing after Startup School 2005. I was in DC but Startup School got me to apply to Stanford for the master's program in CS. Six years later and I've got my masters and I'm having a great time at a Bay Area startup!

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