It’s a new year, and it’s a fresh start. I for one, am embarking on a road that I have never travelled down. I am a brand new librarian. Considering that I’m a graduate student in the Library and Information field, it was really sort of a no brainer that I would end up in one at some point. No, this has more to do with the journey.

After four years of working non-stop, I’ve completed my bachelor’s and made it halfway through my master’s degree. I’m married with three small heathens who, can you believe it or not, require quite a bit of attention.

As we begin this school year, I want to pause to mention that we’re all at different places in life. Some journeys are more difficult that others. Some have all the appearances of ease while trouble and doubt lurk not far below the surface.

To incoming freshmen, you’re leaving behind the safety and security of the structured education the adults in your life have provided. Moving on from high school, whether it’s vocational or academic pursuits, is a huge shift in your world as you know it. Sometimes it’s exciting, sometimes it’s thrilling. Sometimes you wonder when the last time you showered was, or when you ate something that didn’t come out of a freezer because it’s exam week, and you don’t know what day it is.

To juniors and seniors, the massive question of, “Now what?” may ever be looming at the back of your mind. More school? Apprenticeship? Take a year and travel? Take a year and work like you’ve never worked before because it’s alarming how expensive food is? If you thought there were options before when you were a freshmen, then just wait until the graduation cap goes on.

I’m halfway through a “terminal degree,” meaning that most librarians stop after their master’s. I have a job in my chosen career, and even I am still asking, “Now what?” This is the point where my training is supposed to kick in. I’m supposed to look fantastic in a Spandex suit and utility belt with a mask to cover my eyes since apparently it’s the cheekbones that give your true identity away. A superhero of bibliographic proportions. I’m supposed to “just know” things, right?

Well… don’t tell any of my fellow librarians, but I’m still figuring things out. Just kidding. They already know. They spend their day helping me to correct my mistakes and learn the protocols for things. So, this blog isn’t just about the library. The library is cool and all, I mean, I love working here, but this blog is also about the journey. If anyone out there thought that things smooth over once you get your dream job, you’re mistaken. If you think that there’s a point where you “just know” what to do, you’re mistaken.

This is a message of someone else figuring it out too. Sharing insights, offering hope, and shouting encouragement. I’m not a professor who’s been employed for ten years with all of that confidence built up. I haven’t even been employed for ten days. I’m like you. I’m a student, wife, mother, librarian, and odd little duckling. This will most certainly not be a blog of showing off that I have it all together. No, I’m happy to share my humiliations with you so that it makes you feel a little bit better about your own path. If I can bumble through this job, then you guys can accomplish anything. So, enjoy a fresh start and the recommittal to your goals and aspirations.

See you by the books,

Katy