Times change, and so must I.

"We all change, when you think about it. We're all different people all through our lives. And that's okay - that's good, you've got to keep moving - so long as you remember all the people that you used to be." - the eleventh doctor

I remember when Matt Smith was first announced as David Tennant's successor in Doctor Who, and the general reaction that ensued. It was a kind of nervous excitement - a "Wow, he sure is young - I hope he doesn't mess it up" feeling. There was also plenty of skepticism. Much to do with his age and doubt over his acting chops. And there were the ones who just didn't want to see David Tennant go, and didn't think anybody would possibly replace him. Who does this young whippersnapper think he is, anyway?

And sure, it took him a little while to really find the soul of his incarnation as The Doctor, but he certainly made the role his own - found his own mannerisms, clothing style, and other personal quirks. By the time the 50th anniversary came around, he stood alongside his predecessor and together they created a memorable episode, each with their own strengths - as equals.

I think the idea of regeneration is an apt one in our lives. It's not an easy thing to move on into a new episode in our lives. It's hard enough to figure out "who we are", let along keep up with the changes. I can't keep trying to reenact being the person I used to be. My body, mind, hopes and dreams have all changed, and to pretend that they haven't simply wouldn't work.

Moving into a new workplace, I'm also a "regeneration" of a role. I'm not the person who previously sat in that chair. I have different experiences, different qualifications, different priorities and different philosophies. It would be foolish for fellow staff to assume that things will be the same - and they know it. If they wanted things to stay the same, then they would have employed somebody who was as close to the same as the previous person in the role.

Somebody who wasn't me.

So, there'll be a transition period ahead. I'll have my work cut out for me to prove myself to my peers - I mean, who does this "young" whippersnapper think he is, anyway?

But as I move into this new episode in my life, I must remember to embrace the changes, and encourage those around me to do so as well. What better place to do that but in a school library? Technology is changing at a crazy rate, as are the students who I work with, so change is the one thing that we shouldn't fear.

Right?