My math conference

Today I spent most of my day at the International Workshop on Graph Labeling. So, that's what this post is about. Jeff will post pics of what he did later and that may be more exciting. :) But, if you want some observations about math and the conference you can read this.

1. I'm constantly impressed by everyone's amazing English language skills. I would say English is the native language for about 3/50 participants at this conference (if that). But, you would barely know it. It makes me sad when they apologize for their poor English because I'm constantly thinking how great it is (or barely even noticing it's not their first language). It also makes me wish the US would force younger students to earn a second language. It's so useful and awesome. And it makes me want to take more German or Spanish. And it makes me further want to stress study abroad to our students AND to a country that speaks another language so they can appreciate the difficulty in learning a second language.

2. I chose well in taking Jeff on my trip. He's tech savvy. I used his cell phone to call the organizer when we couldn't find our person at the airport yesterday. Today he figured out why my stupid new iPad wouldn't show my presentation. Apparently you have to plug in the VGA adapter and then open Keynote. Bad move Apple. I expect more from you!! Oh and he has much knowledge of the random plugs in our room. So, big thanks to Jeff.

3. After organizing CombinaTexas I have a huge appreciation for the conference organizers. I'll send them a big thank you when I get home. They've been awesome. And I can't imagine all the chaos that comes with organizing an international conference.

4. I got an awesome conference bag. It's green. Judith would like it. :)

 

 

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