Sorry, I don't teach
You: So what do you do?
Me: I work at a university.
You: Really, what do you teach?
Me: Actually, I work in administration.
Awkward silence...
This conversation happens more often than you'd think when I meet someone new or become reacquainted with an old acquaintance.
It always made me feel awkward as if I'd inexplicably failed to live up to the expectations of someone I'd just met.
But having chewed on it some, I now choose to take this as compliment.
This near stranger, who has only known me for a few minutes, assessed the way I spoke, the way I dressed and the way I comported myself, and came to the conclusion that I was eminently qualified to shape the lives of young adults.
I should be flattered.
Me: I work at a university.
You: Really, what do you teach?
Me: Actually, I work in administration.
Awkward silence...
This conversation happens more often than you'd think when I meet someone new or become reacquainted with an old acquaintance.
It always made me feel awkward as if I'd inexplicably failed to live up to the expectations of someone I'd just met.
But having chewed on it some, I now choose to take this as compliment.
This near stranger, who has only known me for a few minutes, assessed the way I spoke, the way I dressed and the way I comported myself, and came to the conclusion that I was eminently qualified to shape the lives of young adults.
I should be flattered.