Passion for the Field

Emma looked up from her computer in the doctoral student offices to see who was coming in the door. She smiled as her cubicle mate Davis came through the door with his arms full of books and office supplies ready for the new semester. Emma walked over to him and grabbed some books out of his arms. How are you she asked Davis as she set down the pile of psychology books on the desk next to hers. “The drive was an absolute nightmare!”, Davis quipped grinning back at Emma. Davis always drove back to State from His parents home in New Mexico. It was at least a 12 hour drive and Emma never understood why he did it. He claimed it was so he had his car for the school year but Emma did just fine with public transport. “Have you seen anyone else from the department? Any new students or staff?”, Davis continued. Emma replied, “ No, I just got the email from the chair saying that the mixer starts tonight at 7pm at her house with the address.” Davis’ mouth twisted with a deviousness Emma hadn’t seen before “I heard theres a lot of new people coming into the program this year, not sure who else decided to return this semester either. Are you going to go?” Emma sighed Davis was always pushing her to go to things. To connect with the others in their department. In truth Emma didn’t have time or interest in doing these types of things. She had worked long and hard for her assistantship and didn’t want to jeopardize her grades or job by getting distracted so generally if it didn’t involve eating, school or work she didn’t want to do it. “Right now I’m thinking of not going” Emma said. Davis rolled his eyes “I thought you might say that and oddly enough I ran into your supervisor on my way up and she said I need to make you come”. Emma was really annoyed now. Dr. Andmonsen was her Phd mentor and supervisor. She was always saying that Emma should get out there and network with people as a part of the Phd experience. Emma always found this tedious and pointless. How would that get her through her dissertation. Dr. Andmonsen was a full professor and expert in the field of experimental psychology. Emma was surprised when Dr. Admonsen agreed to work with her and give her an assistantship, but here she was a year later and doing the program that she dreamed of. Davis smirked at Emma’s obvious frustration at being forced to go to the party. “Come on its free food and drinks plus who knows you might actually have fun!” Davis said encouragingly. Emma sighed again depressed at the prospect of having to smile and small talk with people who probably wouldn’t be here next year. Davis smiled understanding her thoughts” I will stay with you and you won’t have to talk to anyone.” Emma gave a weak smile, “Ok since it seems I have no choice in this situation”. “Thats the spirit!” Davis jumped up from his office chair next to Emma. “Come on Ill drive us”.