Normally I'd say fake it til you make it, but you've already made it, so go and have fun. - Katy S

GO and enjoy yourself. Have a free meal on the university and mingle with folks. - Mary Carmen

You got an invite, therefore you belong. Free fancy food! - m9m, Crone of FriendFeed

Looking at what I just wrote, I guess it's telling about my insecurities, but I *have* worked hard to get here. It's just...such a thing. Mulling it over in favor of attending, I think. - Derrick

Go, but find someone to go with -- a coworker, somebody. I've been to these things (though not as high-falutin' as all that) on my own as a new faculty member and it was weird and awkward to sit at a table with a bunch of old farts (sorry, now-valued colleagues!) who all knew each other but didn't know me. You DO belong, so find someone to belong there WITH. - Catherine Pellegrino

Dude. Go. Your right to be there is beyond question. - Pete's Got To Go

Ooh, plus one. Hrm. - Derrick

I have to think that somewhere there was an invite meeting and someone said "Derrick?" and everyone else said "Fuck yeah" and gave small fist pumps. - Johnny

We gonna need to get poppa some new shoes to roll there in style ;) - Jeff (Team マクダジ )

Do you need me to come down there and shake you? Of course you belong. Go, have a great time. - ♫Maurice the Dolphin♫

what everyone else said, esp. Catherine -- GO! and go with a good (preferably work) buddy. Also, new shoes might be required, or a new tie or something. - Stephan!e•CogSc!L!brar!an

Alright, I'm on it! Thanks for talking me back down from the ledge. - Derrick

take photos & show us!! - Stephan!e•CogSc!L!brar!an

haha, I don't know about all that. :) - Derrick

Glad you're going, D. Belonging is beside the point. They need you. - MoTO Boychick Devil

Acquiring plus one... - Derrick

everyone's going to be thinking "Dang, who is that sharp-looking, magnetic guy?" Except for the people who already know you. They'll be thinking, 'YAY DERRICK." - Marianne

Yay Derrick! Be sure to post pics of what you'll be wearing to this soiree. - Corinne L

Y'all are great. For all of my sassy strutting, there are times I really struggle with feeling like I have the chops for these kinds of things. Very much appreciated. - Derrick

Most welcome. FWIW, I still feel that way every time I get a special invitation to something. Or sometimes even a regular invitation :D. - Marianne

Do the damned thing. I feel the same often, but when you're doing it right... - Eric @ CS Techcast

Swanky! Enjoy! - Ell Bee, See?

Go have fun. Going to the National Press Club means you will now be a reporter. Be sure to wear a hat that says PRESS on it.http://vervecast.net/wp-cont... - Back to just Joe

Go! Wear spiffy tie. Win. - Rachel Walden

Go celebrate your success and be comfortable Have fun and yeah it's a good excuse to buy some spiffy clothes - WarLord

I feel the same way sometimes! I give a ++++1 for a "campus events" buddy. - Regular Amanda

So glad you decided to go. Have fun! - Tamara J. B.

I'm late to the party and happy you decided to go. Events like this are where I've met my best friends/most valuable contacts on campus. - kaijsa

Are you on the faculty? Try it on for size. - Aaron the Librarian

Yay D! We want to hear all about it (meaning the food and the gossip and what everyone was wearing, of course). - laura x