Navigating a foreign land

OK, so maybe that headline is a bit misleading.

Literally, I'm still right here in Central PA. But instead of going to work in a newsroom among journalists every day like I have for the past decade, I drive to school.

And it's really different.

Different, I expected. But I honestly feel like I've been plunked down in a foreign country from when I wake up each day until I get home in the afternoon. I don't understand this environment where time is structured minute by minute and a question or careless comment can be dangerous.

I don't know the language, the geography or the people. Their traditions and routines are unfamiliar. I'm focused on basic daily survival these days. No mental or physical energy for anything else. And I haven't even met the kids yet.

I'm so amazed at what a different world this is that I've begun to take notes on all the crazy things that strike me. I won't be able to write about all of them here because of my new role, but hopefully I'll have the energy to share some of this new adventure.

Monday, classes start.

Will I survive? Stay tuned....