I survived my first day of third grade, for the second time in my life. The difference is that this time I wasn’t the awkward new kid coming in in the middle of the year. This time I was the awkward new teacher coming in the day before Day 1 and pretending to be in charge. I think I still managed to fool them.

This was my third first-day-of-school since I finished school… for three years I’ve done something I never thought I’d get into. Teaching is supposed to be a calling, not a temporary fling. Right? I really missed the boat on that one.

But this school is good. So good. Scary good. The kids are smart, respectful, and eager. (Who are these people??) The teachers are enthusiastic, supportive, and intelligent. (And who are these people??) The parents are …parents. But they’re nice parents, generous parents, reasonable parents. (Am…