7 Conference Time

CHAPTER SEVEN Conference Time Conference (noun). Scientists and other professionals attend conferences in order to keep up with the latest findings in their field. It's like a giant professional birthday party, only usually there aren't presents. Instead there are presenters, who speak at the conference. "I HAVE SOME BAD NEWS and good news," said Dad. "Can you give me the good news first?" I pleaded. "Sure. I've been asked to give a talk in Detroit. On the benefits of mindfulness." Dad's a psychologist, so he goes to a conference every few months. He says he does it to keep up with the industry. Dr. Caroline, my favorite chemist on YouTube, does the same thing. Only she goes to chemistry conferences. "That's great, Dad," I said. "About the conference." I had a feeling that him giving a talk wasn't going to be all that great when it came to the aquarium.

"Usually when I go to conferences, it's to get continuing education credits to keep my license current so I can still talk to patients. I haven't done one in a while, and I'm excited about it. But my talk is on the first day of the conference—January 28. And I'll also be on a panel in the morning, which I'm not too thrilled about because I'll have to improvise." "That's awesome, Dad," I said. "About the talk and the panel." But inside I really wasn't feeling so great. More like lumpier than the mashed potatoes on my plate. From across the table, Mom was beaming. "I'm so proud of your dad. It's going to be livestreamed, so I'll be able to catch a little bit of it." "Dad needs a license for his job?" asked Liam. "I thought that was to drive a car." "It's a different kind of license," said Dad. "It's to be a psychologist. Just like I need a card that says I can drive, I need one that says I can do my job. Teachers need them too. And doctors." "Oh." Liam patted Mr. Penguin. "How about kids? And penguins? Do they need licenses too?" "None that I've heard of," said Dad. "But that is a good business idea." Even though Dad loves his work, he jokes he'll make a bundle one day due to some business idea, retire, and then spend the rest of his time reading books and traveling the world.

"I guess you don't need to give me the bad news," I murmured. "Since I can tell you're going to be busy that day." "Katie Lane, I'm sorry." Katie Lane is my nickname, in honor of Lois Lane from Superman. My dad came up with it because I was super curious as a little kid, just like Lois Lane. "I really wish I could go," Dad continued. "I love aquariums. But I agree with Mom. We'll go to the Shedd as a family this summer. And I don't have any conferences coming up this spring, so hit me up for the next field trip. Okay?" Dad folded his hands together and paused. "Honestly, I'm disappointed I can't go with you." "It's no big deal," I said. "I'm sure plenty of other parents can go. Like Elijah's. It'll be fine." "I figured," said Dad. "I certainly hope so," said Mom softly. A little part of me worried that maybe I wouldn't get my penguin shirt at all. But that was just being silly.