When Life Gives You Lemons, You Make Mechanical Engineers

(I am a female mechanical engineering student working part-time in a local Scottish pub. There are always a lot of questions when the old boys find out what I study.)

Customer: “Do you study here, then?”

Me: “Yes, I study mechanical engineering. It’s great!”

Customer: “I bet there’s loads of boys on the course; is that why you chose it?”

Me: *sharply* “Not at all. It’s an extremely interesting subject that covers the mechanics of everything — not just cars, if that was going to be your next question.”

(I am regularly asked if I know how an engine works. The customer goes quiet, and I continue cutting lemons for the drinks. Then, about ten minutes later…)

Customer: “I can tell you’re going to be a great engineer, by the way you’re cutting those lemons so methodically!”

(All I could do was say thanks, and leave ASAP so I didn’t burst out laughing at his genuine compliment.)