During a discussion in the library of how my seniors may end up in jobs they cannot even imagine today, as preparation for their research projects on career possibilities.
Librarian: So how do you picture the job market changing in the next twenty years?
(Silence)
Librarian: Is it possible that some careers you plan on might not exist twenty years from now?
(Silence)
(Finally, slowly, a lone hand.)
Jennifer: I mean, that's a really tough question to answer. We don't have all sorts of time to sit around and think, like Locke and the rest of them from the Age of Enlightenment did. All they did was think, and I can't imagine they ever envisioned something like the internet, for instance.
(All heads swivel toward Jennifer.)
Me: Jen, did you just refer to Locke in my class?
Jennifer: Yes.
Me: John Locke.
Jennifer: Yes. John Locke.
Me: L-o-c-k-e.
Jennifer: Yes. I like to use what I learn when I can.
Me: Hmm. Cool.
