My student interview at my first choice school started off in regular fashion, with casual get-to-know-you conversation. Then, when the topic of my current activiites arose (I took a year off to work), I explained that I do research at the Eye and Ear Institute across the street (the same University system).
She slightly cocked her head to the side quizzically, and responded, "really, what floor?" Her sudden interest in particulars peaked my curiousity, and I told her where I worked. Resuming the natural orientation of her neck, she she asked, "really, who do you work for?"
This had narrowed things down quite a bit; there are but a handful of researches on my floor, and clearly she had a connection. My excitement surfaced with a sly smile. "Dr. so and so," I replied.
"NO WAY!," she blurted out. "I'm seriously considering rotating through his lab this summer!" "I just visited the lab last Thursday."
I was dumbfounded because we hadn't crossed paths during her visit. Nevertheless, over the next 15min we talked about the coincidence of our meeting like this, the atmosphere in the lab, our ongoing research projects, and related topics.
Well, as it turns out. I must have left a good impression, because starting June 1 she will be joining us as a rotating MD/PhD student. As for myself, I was eventually waitlisted...but my hopes are high...
It should be interesting going to happy hours with my student interviewer this summer...