1. "My job prospects look really good."
2. "The department is giving me lots of support."
3. "I just have one more book to read and then I'll start writing."
4. "I turned down a lot of great job offers to come here."
5. "I'll be done here in only two more years."
6. "Your latest article was so inspiring."
7. "I could never date an undergraduate."
8. "My work has a lot of practical importance."
9. "I'd be delighted to proofread your book/chapter/article."
10. "It doesn't bother me that my college roommate makes $80,000 a year on Wall Street."