From Bayou to Beach: My Transition from Bayou La Batre to Gulfport for a Teaching Role

I’ve recently moved into a small apartment in the historic district of Downtown Gulfport, MS to be near my new job teaching at Gulfport High School. Who would have thought after more than 35 years of teaching I’d be starting all over again in not only a new district, but a new state. Adjusting to a new town has been both exciting and emotionally challenging. Here are some things I’m doing to help ease the transition and make the process smoother:

Exploring My New Town:

During my spare time, I’m taking my camera and walking around my neighborhood, especially the couple of blocks down to the beach. I explored and photographed the downtown area on a quiet Sunday, and also took walks around some of the nearby parks. Even before my move, I took time to explore the roads and layout of this beautiful city.

Connecting with Locals:

With all the responsibilities of my new job and the move, not to mention having to replace my vehicle after my van was totaled within days of starting my job, I haven’t yet had an opportunity to attend any community events, join clubs, or participate in local activities. I have scoped out nearby churches and researched organizations I might be interested in joining. I visited the art center where I met a couple of local artists and gathered information about classes I could join. Building connections with locals will help me feel more integrated into the community.

Visiting Local Establishments:

There are several local restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby that I want to check out. This not only supports local businesses but also gives me the chance to interact with new neighbors and potentially meet new friends.

Attending Community Gatherings:

Like many towns, Gulfport and other nearby Mississippi Gulf Coast towns have community gatherings, farmers’ markets, and other annual events and I plan to attend some of these. I want to look into upcoming crafts markets or art walks.

Using Social Media:

I’ve Joined some local community groups on social media platforms. These groups can be valuable resources for information about local events, services, and even recommendations for things to do.

Establishing Routine Activities:

Establishing a routine can help me get back a sense of normalcy. I’ve joined a local gym to keep up with my cardio health. Now that the holidays are behind us, I plan to get on track with going to the gym after work, taking regular walks in the parks or on the beach, and joining a writer’s group that meets monthly. I also plan on making regular weekend visits back home to Alabama.

Taking Advantage of Local Services

Gulfport has a nice library I plan to visit. I also want to take advantage of being closer to the history archives that house many of the family research records I’m looking for to continue unraveling a few mysteries in my mother’s ancestry.

Learning About Local Culture and Traditions:

Each town has its own unique culture and traditions. I plan to take the time to learn about local customs, events, and celebrations. This knowledge can help me feel more connected to my community and give me some more things to write about on this blog.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to meet people while giving back to the community. I’m going to look for local volunteer opportunities that align with my interests and skills and that will fit into my busy schedule.

Staying Positive and Open-Minded:

While having my previous position end unexpectedly was unnerving, I am determined to make the most of the opportunities this move has opened to me. I’m going to approach the experience with a positive and open-minded attitude. I will embrace the opportunity to learn and grow in a new environment.

Keeping in Touch with Family and Friends:

I have not sold my home in Alabama, my grandson is renting it and one of my sons still lives next door. I stay connected with them through visits and phone calls. I also occasionally get the opportunity to attend my home church which helps me stay connected. Of course, social media is also a big help with keeping up with all my friends.

Finding My Niche:

I have a lot of interests and hobbies and seeking out groups or activities related to them will help me meet like-minded people. I’m looking forward to getting involved in the thriving art community in this area.

Learning About Local Services:

I’m familiarizing myself with local services such as grocery stores, mechanics, and post offices. I also need to find out what urgent care and emergency services are available near me in case I have an unexpected health issue since my regular doctors are over an hour away in Alabama. Knowing where to find essential services will improve my daily life.

Creating a Comfortable Home Environment:

With such a small apartment, I’ve been able to quickly personalize my home away from home. I’ve surrounded myself with a few favorite things, and all the essential items I need for daily life and work. My apartment is an oasis of tranquility with efficient spaces for my creative pursuits. Having a view of the beach is an awesome bonus.

Being Patient:

Adjusting to a new town takes time. I need to be patient with myself as I navigate the transition. I know it’s normal to feel a bit out of place initially, but things will improve over time.

If, like me, you find yourself needing to move, remember that adjusting to a new town is a gradual process, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Embrace the opportunities for growth and new experiences that come with living in a different place.