Somehow I Managed to Meet Tom Holland

A great man, Michael Scott, once decided he was going to write a book entitled Somehow I Manage. It would be about his management style and how he got to where he is today.

If I were to write a similar memoir, it would be called Somehow I Managed to Meet Tom Holland, my biggest accomplishment to date.

If you know me at all, you know I’m obsessed with Spider-Man. Superheroes have never really been my thing, but Tom Holland’s version of the webslinging friendly neighborhood hero piqued my interest. He’s relatable, funny, and just a normal kid with impossible powers. Plus, Tom is particularly gorgeous and plays Peter Parker so well, it’s insane.

This summer when Spider-Man: Far From Home came out in theaters, I was hooked. And when I tell you hooked, I mean HOOKED. I couldn’t see the film enough! (Thank you, AMC A-List.) It’s one of my favorite movies of all time, and my obsession grew.

Fast forward a few weeks and I’m scrolling through social media when a post about an upcoming comic con speaks to me. The convention was in Philly, and, being from PA, I immediately started racking my brain to see if there was a way I could go. The day the tickets for his meet and greet dropped, my heart sank. It was a good bit of money to meet such a superstar. Normally, I’m not willing to spend that much on any one thing, but when I called my mom to talk me out of it, she encouraged me instead. 

I’m young. I’m not tied down with anything. I had the money. I could do it.

Hastily during my lunch break, I bought my ticket and shut my eyes at the price. I thought I would feel some buyer’s remorse afterward, but instead, I was shaking with excitement. In a few weeks, I was going to MEET my hero.

Sunday, August 25, I woke up at 3:00am. That is what you do to meet the love of your life. My wonderful friend Darby generously offered to drive me to the airport at 3:30 in the morning, so I could catch my early flight. I will never forget how awake I was, even though the sun hadn’t even thought about waking up yet.

I landed in Philadelphia around 8:50am, took a Lyft to the convention center, and checked in just in time to find a seat before Tom’s panel. I could not believe I was there. I felt sick with excitement. 

The convention hall was loud and absolutely full of people of all types. There were little kids dressed up as their favorite characters, cosplayers enjoying the chance to show off their skills, and everyday people like me in themed t-shirts or subtle outfits with nods to a favorite story. And, of course, there were so many Spider-Mans (Spider-Men?). Everyone was there for Tom.

The panel was amazing. To get to hear him speak in person and answer the questions from the moderators was just so cool. He talked about his suits and what it’s like on set with the huge names of Marvel and how he’d love for Miles Morales and Peter Parker’s stories to collide. He talked about upcoming projects, being careful not to spoil anything.

After the panel, we were shuffled into the main convention space where vendors came to sell their art, collectibles, and toys. The far wall was completely set apart for autographing stations. Stars of popular franchises like Harry Potter and Star Trek met there for a quick photo and autograph. I got to see Ginny, Fred, and George Weasley!

Since I was there alone, this part of the convention was not as interesting to me. I tried looking at Funko Pops, posters, and other things, but honestly, I was already too broke from paying for this trip to purchase anything. Plus, it was overwhelming the amount of everything that was crammed into that space. So many people. So many Funko Pops.

After awhile, I left the center to meet my parents for lunch. I hadn’t seen them all summer and it was so fun to catch up a little and tell them about the panel. We ate cheesesteaks (because what else do you do in Philly?) and chatted before I had to get back inside for my meet and greet.

The line for this thing was LONG. As you can imagine, Tom is a super popular meet and greet option and tons of people were lined up to see him. My only qualm with this whole event was the fact that everything ran late and my meet and greet time was shifted significantly. Once the line started moving, it barely stopped and I knew I would probably only get seconds with him.

When it was my turn, I walked in, got a hug, told him he’s the reason I’m a Marvel fan, took my picture, and thanked him. It probably took you longer to read that sentence than it did for me to meet Tom Holland, but it was WORTH IT. He was so friendly, so cute, and I have a picture to last my lifetime.

I could not stop smiling the whole evening and the whole two hour ride home. It just kept hitting me that I met someone who is talented enough to be in a Marvel movie. Someone who plays my favorite superhero. Someone who’s been in the same room as Robert Downey, Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch and Chris Evans. I met Tom freaking Holland!

It still sometimes hits me, and I know how cheesy that sounds. But sometimes you just have to find something you want to do and go for it. I’ve been trying to practice spontaneity this year, and this trip was definitely a great example. Without overthinking it, I just went. And it was an amazing day I’ll never forget!

Life is way too short to not meet the movie star you’re obsessed with. It’s too short to stop yourself from buying the plane ticket or meet and greet. I’m learning more and more to just go for it instead of waiting for the “perfect moment” by the sidelines.  ​ You’ll never meet your heroes otherwise!