24601!!!!  Okay, fine, I am NOT Jean Valjean as portrayed by Colm Wilkinson in Les Miserables. I am, however, Samantha Bednarz, a New York City born and raised stand-up comedian. 

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I was born and raised on the mean streets of the upper east side in a neighborhood called Yorkville (imagine Southie Boston, but with more racism).  

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When not narrowly escaping being pegged in the head during rowdy games of dodge ball in Catholic School, I was entertaining

myself with watching any comedy

I could get my hands on. 

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It only took more than half

my life and a bizarre encounter

with Zach Galifianakis before I 

decide I was ready.

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That's what then led me to...