The first day of school

Chaos!

That is how the first day of school usually is! Today was no exception!

No big yellow school buses to dodge, just a bunch of half-asleep young adults trying to find a close parking spot for their 8:00 a.m. class! I was about sideswiped by someone in too much of a hurry to look both ways!

My colleague wasn't that lucky. She was merrily on her way to school, on the off ramp of the highway, and got rear-ended! It was a jolt, not really a crash, but it shook her up a lot, but she was/is a trooper and pulled herself together despite a bad beginning to the day.

Other colleagues came and went, the dean came and went, the department chair came and went, and by 2:00 p.m. I had absolutely nothing done of my own! So things quieted down in the mid-afternoon, and I finally got a few lessons planned.

I didn't officially begin my teaching today, just was in the office planning, and greeting the colleagues who I haven't seen all summer. It was busy, buzzing, and cordial, but everyone was on a mission!

We have full classes this semester. Some say the community college benefits by a downturn in the economy. That must really be the case, because our halls were jam packed before every class today. One of our classes was actually without a classroom until yesterday! Luckily, they found a place for them to meet.

My day in the trenches starts tomorrow with two absolutely new classes that I've never taught before. So, I'll have to see how I do with new curriculum and a new group of students. It is always a challenge, but usually a very rewarding one!

Wish me luck!