ADMINISTRATOR'S CORNER: Why Do I Keep Hearing So Much About Technology Commercialization?
When I first came to Georgetown two years ago, I was hoping for a low-stress environment filled with fun-loving coworkers who wouldn’t mind trading a little office gossip now and then. And for the most part, the colleagues I’ve met here on the Hilltop have been a real dream come true. But there’s just one thing about this place that really sticks in my craw: why does everyone keep talking to me about technology commercialization?
Has anyone else noticed this? It’s like you can’t even walk down a hallway anymore without hearing “high-tech marketing” this, and “medical breakthrough” that. Sometimes I’ll come into work tired after a late Monday night (Dancing With the Stars night!), and before I even get a chance to kick my shoes off, my secretary, Amy, will come chirping in with some mind-boggling question about university patent applications. It’s enough to drive a girl insane!
Why, just the other day, my good friend Chester Gillis came bursting into my office absolutely livid about some unfiled paperwork for a cancer doohickey a professor was working on. At first I thought he must have been looking for Stacy, the flakey temp who used to work next door, but wouldn’t you know it, he just wanted to vent his problems right on me! Well, you’ll be happy to know he finally calmed down and left me alone, but I certainly hope he gets everything figured out soon because he sure was angry.
What I can’t figure out is why this sort of thing is always happening to me. I mean, me, of all people! To be honest, I probably know less about technology than anyone else I know. I couldn’t even figure out this word processor until Amy showed me how to click on that little talking paperclip to the side. And who knows what this “commercialization” business is all about, but I can tell you that no one hates watching annoying commercials more than me. You know when your favorite show gets interrupted by some jib-jabbering ad at the worst possible time? Ooh, that just makes my blood boil (unless it’s one of the ones with that Progressive insurance lady. They should give her a TV show already!).
But for some reason, whenever anyone wants to moan about some patent-related inconvenience in their lives, Murphy’s Law, it’s good old Claudia who has to hear about it. Well, I’ve just about had enough. Starting today, I’m putting a sign outside my door that says, “no more technology talk in Claudia’s office!” I know it sounds harsh, but I think it’s the only way I’ll ever be able to get any work done around here.
So to all my coworkers, if you’re thinking of dropping by my office, by all means come on in. I’m pretty easygoing, and I love to make new friends. But for God’s sake don’t bring up technology commercialization, because I honestly don’t have the foggiest idea what you’re talking about.
