Abstract: How do surfaces grow, and why do so many look statistically alike? This talk connects intuitive simulations with modern probability to explore surface growth and universality. We begin with a CLT refresher as a baseline for randomness, then show why it fails for growing interfaces: local interactions and spatial-temporal dependencies break independence. Using Tetris-like ballistic deposition (sticky and non-sticky) as model systems, we compare simulated interfaces and empirical fluctuation scaling, and discuss their relation to the KPZ universality class. We then highlight experimental evidence from thin-film growth where universal scaling emerges in real materials. Along the way, we emphasize what "universality" means, how scaling exponents organize phenomena, and where open questions remain—such as identifying non-KPZ behaviors. The goal is a concrete, visual understanding of stochastic growth, bridging simulations, data, and theory.