Having spent my entire life in Mansfield, I now realize how well I knew Mansfield, and how well Mansfield knew me. Getting jobs were easy. My reputation was already in line. There weren't many new people to meet.

But here, my name does not precede me. In fact, my name isn't even know. I really could count my acquaintances on my fingers if I wanted to.

And as much as it seems a daunting situation, it is strangely invigorating.

I started my new job on Wednesday. I work at an amazing local coffee and tea company: Jaho.

With two locations in Salem, it's extensive menu, Gelato and exquisite latte art has really given the corporate coffee shops a run for their money.

There's a lot to learn, and I'm sure it will be quite some time before I tackle the espresso machine, but I love going to work, I lo

ve the people, I love the challenge.

Salem is such a unique little place. It is a tourist town to the bone - with trolleys perusing the town and full-blown witch trial reenactments every weekend taking over the streets. The faces I come into contact with at Jaho every day are either every-single-day-regulars or from another continent. (I speak from experience when I say that difficult accents can lead to embarrassing moments)

I'm definitely the newbie - and I end each of my shifts trying to squeeze my name into as many upcoming time slots as possible - but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my availability throughout this coming school year will aid in the extension of my hours.