At the beginning of each (college) school year, I typically hire a couple incoming freshman to work with me in my department "Technical Services." As with any new job or new hire there is always that period of getting to know one another: how serious is this person, what are his interests are, does he prefer learning alone or with a group of other students. On their end, there is always a bit of surprise that his boss (the techs are 9 out of 10 times a male) is a "lady" and yes, she (me) does in fact, know quite a lot about audio visual equipment in live applications. I am perfectly knowledgeable about what microphones to use and how to "mix" for a rock and roll band and how that differs from a chancellor speech. I am use to THIS particular prejudice but I usually come out ahead as the guys admire me for knowing what I know- they think I'm cool. However, this past year my new hire, Sam, was absolutley astonished when I texted him our first week in to ask if he could come to work early. "You text?!" He exclaimed. I was actually offended. "Yes," I said, "How else could I communicate with you?" He replied, "Well, my mom just calls." Since that time we are in a friendly competition to show the other YouTube videos or what cool app is out there for iPhones. (neither of us have one but they are slick.) And I even try to trip him up one time about an application called Skype. I had just learned about this one from another new guy, Matt. But more on that story later.
