A CHANCE ENCOUNTER while hiking at Faribault’s River Bend Nature Center in late November led me down the rabbit hole of internet surfing on a cold January afternoon. How did I get there and what did I discover? Here’s the backstory and then the story. Sit back and enjoy.
The story begins with me and my camera. I carry my Canon EOS 20-D with me nearly everywhere, especially to natural spaces like River Bend. Another photographer—a young man—happened to notice and inquired about my camera. We talked equipment for a bit before I continued down the woods-edged trail and he returned to senior portrait photography.
Later, while walking across the parking lot, I spotted a colorful car covered in messages. I put two and two together and determined this vehicle belonged to the young photographer I’d met earlier. I liked the car, a work of art really, enough to snap a few frames.
Well, those car photos and that chance meeting were forgotten until I rediscovered the file images recently. “I really ought to post those car pictures,” I thought to myself. That led me to Google “Curtis Pecore-Kotek.” I learned he’s a high school senior from Faribault who specializes in photography and videography. Yes, he’s on YouTube and that’s how I ended up watching his video, “How to Get a Girlfriend,” posted a year ago. Note that I rarely watch YouTube.
The video title intrigued me, mostly because I wondered where Curtis would go with the topic. I quickly found out. He went to Walmart. And then to Hy-Vee Grocery Store. There he randomly asked shoppers and staff for tips on getting a girlfriend.
Many of them, much to my surprise, responded to the teen thrusting an over-sized microphone toward them. Only one seemed concerned about what Curtis would do with the recording…before giving a lengthy, thoughtful answer.
And what did the fine folks shopping for food and other goods or working advise this teenager about getting a girlfriend?
Be kind. Be nice. Be gentle. Be honest. Be real. Be confident. Be a “good person.” Be yourself. Be the best version of yourself.
Have a sense of humor. Tell a few jokes.
And then there’s this one: Hang out in the right spots (although “right spots” were not defined).
Curtis ends the video by interviewing a girl who wants to be just a friend, not a girlfriend. I sensed her uncomfortableness in the questioning.
I found the video entertaining, interesting and insightful. Interviewees offered great tips, many sharing the same advice. Curtis handled himself well. He seems real, confident, nice, kind and possessing a sense of humor. I’d say he’s got it covered in the qualities he needs to find a girlfriend. Whether he’s connected with a young woman beyond friendship in the year since crafting this video, I don’t know. He’s young, there’s plenty of time for relationships…
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TELL ME: What tips would you give Curtis about getting a girlfriend? Or about life in general?
NOTE: In watching this video shot a year ago, I noticed something I rarely see in Faribault now: people wearing face masks to stop the spread of COVID. At the time, a state-wide mask mandate was in place.
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
i think he’s on the right track and i love that you crossed paths with this interesting young man, and sought out more
I agree. Curtis impresses me.
Start of school Aug. 2020 he was a junior. Shot a FSHS welcome back teachers video. Love his YT channel. What a cutie. I would advise he find someone who shares this passion and is good at accounting. Those at his creative level rarely like even keeping a personal checkbook, even now with online banking. With the “1855” young journalists, Faribault is keeping the creative future blessed. The class of ’61 (60 yrs. in 2021) was farmers, mechanics, teachers, business-folk. Fun post!
I’m glad you enjoyed this post about Curtis. I laughed at your “he needs to find someone good at accounting.” As a creative, I very much dislike anything to do with math and numbers. And, yes, Sam and Logan have done some outstanding work with “1855.”
Bravo Curtis! I like your creativity and boldness – plus the color coordination of your car, videos, and website. I see a future in filmography or advertising for you! Keep up the good work. And don’t worry about getting a girlfriend. It will happen in its own time as long as you stay authentic and kind.
Jane, thanks for supporting Curtis’ creativity. I think your girlfriend advice is spot on.
I agree with Jane…he doesn’t need to worry about getting a girlfriend..it will happen in its own time. 😉
I am in full agreement.
Check out Curtis’ videos for falcon volleyball, wrestling, basketball! Professional quality and wonderful.
Thank you for that tip, Larry. It sounds like Curtis has accomplished much already at his young age.
Treat people better than you’d like to be treated!
Good advice. Thanks for adding your thoughts.
We need people like Curtis, outgoing, curious, think outside the box, creative! Don’t change a thing, the right gal will “find you”.
Thanks for this story on a morning we are facing yet another uncertain conflict here in Europe!
Just exhausting. This gives me hope for a better possible future with people like Curtis leading with awesome talents! Thanks Audrey.
Paula, thank you for appreciating Curtis and his creativity.
I’m sorry you are dealing with even more. You’re right. It’s exhausting.
Curtis sounds like a guy I would like to hang out with. What a fun post about an equally fun sounding guy.
Fun, creative, kind…so many wonderful qualities in this young man. I’m glad I introduced him to my readers.