So I’m back from my retreat relatively unscathed. Here’s what I learned.
10. It’s not really a retreat when you have to listen to talks for 8 hours a day. I think they call that prison.
9. People are just not that good with computers. Still. Really, Powerpoint’s been out for awhile now. And so have those pesky projector things. Why haven’t they figured out how to use them yet?
8. Never underestimate the draw of free food, even if it’s not very good.
7. Respected scientists still have to prepare for their talks. And I thought they would have it down by now. You mean I’ll still hate giving talks when I’m a respected scientist? Not exactly something I’m looking forward to.
6. Even respected scientists surf the web (which they actually paid for!) during talks.
5. Did I just see those two go up to a room together?! I don’t think I want to know.
4. Lab cliques—I kid you not. Though I think they would all be classified as geek cliques anyway so I’m sure I’m not missing out on much. Whew.
3. Even respected scientists fall asleep during talks when they have to listen to talks for 8 hours straight. And here I thought it was just grad students. How comforting.
2. When the alcohol is free, respected scientists drink too much too. And then they talk too much. But about science. I think I’ll pass.
1. I still hate giving talks.