I had my first big meeting of the new school year (one down and only 800 bazillion to go).

The start of meeting season means two things. One, I had to iron my dress clothes; and two, I saw the brand new crop of new principals.

I don’t know which circumstance made me feel worse. The wearing of a suit and tie did break my streak of 76 consecutive days of wearing shorts (oh, how I love the summer), but the deer-in-the-headlights look that new principals have in their eyes always makes me nostalgic (and of course by nostalgic, I mean sad).

As I continue to fumble around with writing this blog, certain subjects come up over and over. New administrators seem to be one of them. I think that is appropriate because a high percentage of readers of the blog seem to be younger administrators.

I guess that makes sense. I seldom meet a reader who is over 50 years old. (If you are, e-mail me, and you may officially be named "The Oldest Reader" … quite an honor don’t you think? Plus, you may receive parting gifts and the home game version of PrincipalsPage.com).

Just like students, the new principals seem to get younger each year. It’s like school districts are hiring sophomores to run their buildings.

I remember when I was a new administrator — and young — but just barely because the mind is not as sharp as it used to be.

The newbies are so excited to begin their career in educational administration. And scared to death.

How can I be so sure? The glazed over look in their eyes always gives it away. And as someone who had that look, I feel qualified to comment on it.

Pure and simple, it’s fear. Fear of new responsibilities, teachers, parents, students, school board meetings, supervision, speaking in public, evaluating staff, addressing employees — you name it and it makes you nervous. Really nervous.

But the good news is that if you’re lucky that feeling passes — at least a little. I don’t think you ever completely shake it.

By the second year in the job, that feeling goes down by about 50 percent … so at least you have that going for you.

If you are a new administrator my advice hasn’t changed (or grown in value): Run — like the wind. And don’t look back.

And I don’t mean from the job. I mean for the job.

Exercise. A lot. And don’t make the excuse that you don’t have time. Everyone gets the same 24 hours in a day. It is just how you use them. Make exercise a priority for yourself, your family and your school. Get up early if that’s what it takes. A half hour a day will benefit you and everyone around you.

And if that doesn’t work: Run — from the job.

There is no shame in hiding in your office, sitting in the corner in a fetal position, and rocking back and forth. We have all been there (not really, I am just trying to make you feel better if things go horribly wrong for you).

The good news is that when you survive the first year (and you will, especially if you exercise), you can attend a meeting a stare at the new crop of 2010 administrators. And you will undoubtedly recognize that glazed look in their eyes.

To read more blog entries by Michael Smith, visit his site PrincipalsPage.com.