As you enter the building, you review your goal: show Dr. Ellison that you're politically savvy enough not to embarrass her or you. It may be a low bar, but it's one you hopefully don't trip over. With luck, Alex won't make things difficult.
A large hallway runs along the front side of the Jermyn Activity Center, with two-story-high ceilings and an outer wall that is more windows than wall. Large doorways lead to the center's ballrooms and smaller meeting rooms. Faculty and staff mill about making chit-chat with varying levels of excitement.
"May I take your coat?" the student at the coat check alcove asks. You hand it over. Manish used to work these events as part of his work-study job. He'd joke that, sure, the professors were snooty, but the crap pay made up for it.
"This is meant to be entertainment, yet you're forced to attend?" Alex says.
It's been three days and you're still not used to your life having a running voiceover like you're in a TV drama. You tried to explain the concept of a holiday party to Alex, but that was before they'd assimilated as much English as they have now.