An Electric Sense Of Humor

(I am at a recruitment dinner for the PhD program, consisting of me (a current student), another current student, five prospective students, and two professors. Professor #1 is a new appointee, and is friendly but somewhat nervous, because Professor #2 is a type-A Nobel Laureate and one of the most respected in the field. Professor #2 is telling stories for about 15 minutes until there’s finally a lull in conversation.)

Professor #1: “…So, [Professor #2], what’s changed the most about [School] since you’ve been here?”

Me: *chiming in* “Besides electricity.”

Professor #1: *eyes pop open*

Professor #2: *laughs* “Have you guys met [My Name]? He used to be a student here!”

(Thankfully, and unbeknownst to Professor #1, I had TA’d for Professor #2 and had a rapport of sorts with him.)