I was a dress-up Spider-Man for kids' birthday parties for a

Opening Scene

The room is softly illuminated by the warm glow of a table lamp, casting long, gentle shadows as the evening settles in. Outside, the usual hum of the city fades into stillness. Jack sits at the table, casually flipping through a book, while Jeeny stands near the window, gazing out at the view below. There’s a lighthearted atmosphere in the air, as though a conversation about humility, unexpected beginnings, and the nature of growth is about to unfold.

Host: After a few moments of silence, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice steady but filled with curiosity, breaking the silence.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Simu Liu that made me smile. He said, ‘I was a dress-up Spider-Man for kids' birthday parties for a while.’ It’s so interesting because we often see people who are successful now and forget the humble beginnings they might have had. It made me think about how every journey — even one that leads to something as huge as playing an iconic character in a blockbuster movie — has its starting points and small steps. What do you think? Can moments like these, where you’re playing Spider-Man at kids’ parties, be part of the bigger picture of success?”

Jack: “I love that quote because it shows the importance of embracing every part of the journey, no matter how unconventional it may seem. Simu Liu’s experience as a Spider-Man for kids’ birthday parties might seem far from Hollywood stardom, but it’s actually a great example of how humility and a willingness to take on different roles can shape someone’s path. Those experiences aren’t just ‘stepping stones’; they’re moments that build character and perspective. It’s not about the job itself, but what you learn along the way and how it contributes to your growth.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And it’s a reminder that success doesn’t always happen in a straight line. Sometimes, we look at someone’s career and only see the end result, but we forget about the moments that prepared them for it — the challenges, the small gigs, the humbling experiences that help you appreciate where you are now. What Simu Liu did at kids’ parties may seem lighthearted, but it was a form of performing, and that’s what ultimately shaped him as an actor. It’s about doing the work, no matter what that work looks like at the time.”

Jack: “Right. It’s also about seeing value in every experience. Sometimes, we get caught up in the idea that the ‘big break’ is the only thing that matters, but often, it’s the little experiences that prepare us for that moment. Liu’s role as Spider-Man at kids’ parties may not have been glamorous, but it’s a lesson in perseverance, in understanding your craft, and in staying humble. Those experiences give you a deeper appreciation for success when it does come, and they build a certain kind of resilience that you can carry forward.”

Host: The conversation deepens, and Jeeny moves closer, sitting across from Jack. Her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “And I think there’s something refreshing about this idea of starting small. We often romanticize the idea of success coming quickly or easily, but the truth is that most people who achieve great things start with jobs that aren’t necessarily glamorous. It’s about building a foundation, learning, and growing through experiences that might not always seem significant in the moment. What Simu Liu said is a great reminder that it’s okay to start where you are, no matter how unconventional it seems.”

Jack: “Exactly. The road to success often involves a lot of unexpected turns and roles that don’t seem directly related to where you’re headed. But those experiences teach you valuable lessons about the work, about yourself, and about how to stay grounded. You might think that dressing up as Spider-Man for a kids’ party is a far cry from being in a major movie, but in reality, it’s all part of building the skills, the patience, and the humility necessary for bigger opportunities. It’s not about the job itself, it’s about the attitude you bring to it.”

Jeeny: “And it’s also about embracing joy and playfulness in the work you do. Even if it’s not the dream job, there’s something meaningful in bringing happiness to others. Liu wasn’t just dressing up as Spider-Man — he was creating memories for kids, he was performing, and he was making people happy. In a way, those experiences may have helped him develop a sense of connection with his audience, and an understanding of what it means to entertain and inspire others. That sense of playfulness and joy carries over into everything else.”

Jack: “Right. When you bring that sense of joy and dedication to whatever you’re doing, it changes your relationship to the work. Whether you’re performing at a kids’ party or starring in a major film, the key is to stay authentic and passionate. It’s not about the size of the job; it’s about the attitude you bring to it, and the commitment to doing it well. And when you do that, the bigger opportunities come — not just because you’re good at the craft, but because you’ve built the right mindset.”

Host: The room quiets for a moment as Jack and Jeeny reflect on the deeper meaning behind Simu Liu’s words. Outside, the world continues at its usual pace, but inside, there’s an understanding that humility, playfulness, and a willingness to take on any role are all essential parts of a path toward success.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that success isn’t always about taking the most glamorous path. It’s about embracing every step of the journey — the small, sometimes unexpected roles that help shape who we are. It’s about staying humble and finding joy in the work, no matter where it leads.”

Jack: “Exactly. Every experience has value, and the key is to stay true to the process. Whether you’re dressing up as Spider-Man or playing an iconic role on screen, it’s about the attitude you bring to it and the lessons you learn along the way.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Success is not just about the end result; it’s about embracing the journey — every step, every role, and every lesson. From small beginnings to big opportunities, each part of the process contributes to who we become, and each experience is an opportunity to learn, grow, and find joy in the work we do.