Valeria wasn't kidding about getting me prepared for this recruitment dinner.

She had taken a course in dining and conversation etiquette for a career planning event back in New York City.

It was for the young scholars, something.

But anyway, we spent the next afternoon rehearsing at Chili's,

where I took her for that three-for-weed 20 special. You know, the one shared appetizer and two of the selected entrees for 20 bucks.

Best deal ever.

Yeah, triple damper!

So, did you memorize that inner pep talk I recommended?

Yep, it's ingrained into my brain.

I earned this heat because of my talent, hard work, and potential.

I've already proved myself.

They just want to get to know me as much as I want to get to know them.

Nice. How does that feel?

Good. It's a great reminder, you know, like, especially if I find myself feeling imposter

syndrome or something.

Absolutely.

Oh, and I also wrote down some conversation filters just in case there's an awkward silence

or whatever. I know you didn't assign me this task, but I think I should receive some extra

credit.

Extra credit?

It's a recruitment dinner. Why would there be any awkward silences? This is business for them. Not a family reunion full of long-distance cousins. Just in case. You never know. People can get weird sometimes. True. So what are your ideas? All right. So hear me out. These are just like one-liners, depending on the situation and stuff, okay?

Do y'all do dinners like this for most recruits?

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