NewAdventure

I have taken the position of Maker Education Specialist at Indiana University School of Education (Bloomington). The main job is to run the Uplands Maker Mobile ( https://education.indiana.edu/community/maker-education/maker-mobile/index.html )
It is a grant funded position (& some corporate sponsors), so it is for one year… something we have to work on (funding & sustainability). The core function is to take a van of tools & materials (& expertise) to schools and help them incorporate more making and STEM. There are so many places in the region that want and can use our help, schools and others (4H, Boys & Girls Clubs, Libraries, companies needing employees with better skills…). I will not be at IU very much, as the job is to be in schools. We have to figure a focus because we can’t help everybody (can’t be all things to all people). 
The drive down and the first couple of days have been foggy, misty and rainy. Gas is $3.50 - $3.85. Some groceries are much more expensive. I have to figure out where to live. The weeks before the holiday I am living in a hotel. Then back to Ohio for the holidays and back to Indiana after the 1st. Living in Bloomington doesn’t make sense if most of the work is NOT in Bloomington area (11 counties). Bedford is a town 35 minutes south of Bloomington  on a main highway. That might be a good place - if I can find a rental for a year.
There is lots of onboarding at a University. Lots of people to figure out at the University to get things done (like can I create a website or does it have to be a “University” site). There is much I need to learn about what has already been happening (the van ran for almost a year, but has not been in operation for the past 6 months - the person left for a different STEM van). Lots of people to meet, lots of contacts and connections to make at schools. There is no Facebook or YouTube channel. Lots of things to do in addition to going to schools.