I definitely had an interesting experience. If I were reading this before the trip, I would definitely have a lot to say. The first has to do with setting yourself up in general for success - specifically socially. This is what I would tell myself. Palmer, I know you want to have a fun and memorable time in the South of France. You can have plenty of fun when you get home, so wait until the program is over. I know you want to make friends, and three people asked to stick with you during the festival, but I honestly think you should not stay with one group the entire time. You can obviously hang out with them, and I know it might feel awkward, but it will be worth it if you spend most of the trip exploring on your own. You might feel lonely during the program, but the main reason you are here is to make connections, hear valuable talks, and find a job. I know it can be difficult in the moment and might even make you feel down, but after what I experienced, I would absolutely make that choice. I would not have been late, I would have enjoyed and attended more talks, and I wouldn't have been involved in unnecessary drama.

The second piece of advice is about expectations. I would suggest going into the program with an open mind and not setting expectations too high. Not everyone wants to talk to a 19-year-old college student who is still figuring things out, and that's okay. Don't take it personally if someone doesn't want to talk with you, or if you feel lonely during the program. Whenever you're feeling discouraged, ask yourself what 45-year-old Palmer would tell you. Future you would probably say, "Why didn't you do this? Why didn't you say that? Why did you care so much?" As long as you feel proud of yourself at the end of each day, that's what matters. Even if you've been somewhere before, just go and don't make excuses. If other people are tired or feel sick, go by yourself. I chose to stay with other people a few times, and I instantly regretted it because I missed opportunities I wanted to experience.

Although I only went out at night one day during the festival, I would suggest waiting and going out in Miami instead. First, prices are very high in Cannes (even higher than in Miami), and that says a lot. Instead, use that time to take more photos and journal. The things that were written down at the time still resonate with me, and now I wonder if I could have written more. You'll never regret having too many memories to look back on.