[SaDPhIG] meet with Beth Hume!

[Eric Bakovic]

[ This message is directed primarily at the phonologically-inclined  
grad students in this reading group. The rest of you can safely ignore  
it. ]

I'm writing to encourage you to try to meet with Beth Hume during her  
visit on Monday. I'm encouraging this in particular because she's a  
fellow phonologist, someone who does interesting stuff, and a nice  
person. But this suggestion applies equally to all colloquium  
speakers. Part of the point of having a colloquium series -- arguably  
the *main* point -- is to have the opportunity to chat with someone  
from somewhere else. There are several reasons why this is a good  
idea, but I'll just name three here:

1. Getting a fresh perspective. Talking to someone who doesn't breathe  
the same air that you do is often just what you need to make a  
breakthrough in your own thinking about something. (Incidentally, this  
is also one among several reasons why it's generally not a good idea  
to go to grad school where you did your undergrad studies, or to get a  
job at the place where you got your PhD.)

2. Schmoozing does wonders for your future prospects. Allowing a  
distinguished visitor to connect a name with a face, and both with  
some research ideas, can open doors for you. Never underestimate the  
power of social opportunities like this.

3. A rising tide lifts all boats. When she gets back home, Beth will  
be asked about her visit here. She can either say "the talk went  
well", or "the talk went well and I spoke with several interesting  
students doing cool work". Needless to say, the latter makes us all  
look a whole lot better than the former.

So contact Rebecca if you decide you'd like to meet with Beth. I  
believe she still has space in her schedule.

-- Eric