“Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture and way of life. It can be caused by a range of things, both big and small, such as unfamiliar greetings and hand gestures, strange food, and difficult language barriers.

This unfamiliarity can lead to symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, frustration, loneliness, and homesickness. It can even lead to physical symptoms such as insomnia as a result of time zone changes, or colds and stomach bugs due to unfamiliar foods and bacteria.” https://www.now-health.com/en/blog/culture-shock-stages/

Can we find connections of culture shock with students returning to school with the global pandemic continuing? Don’t forget our educators too! Culture counts! More than any other factor or influence, the culture of your school or organization is the essential piece for success. However, if the culture is toxic or holds adverse effects, the overall performance declines.

In every school-virtual setting-organization, how staff communicates, relate, interact, react, and problem solve reflects how much they trust each other. When we add in questions of how they talk to each other, talk at each other, or talk about each other. Understanding this as a signal for action to help improve this area as a priority before tackling “culture shock.” Everyone has to know how to communicate to problem-solve and trust.

Think about the changes that have happened. The past two years have placed all of us in positions of complete transformation. Our cultures have changed, and now we have to adjust to the changes until the culture is settled. Let’s look at what has changed.

• Blowing out candles on Birthday cake-not now
• Shaking hands- not now
• Sharing a seat-not now
• Seeing a smile-not now
• Gathering in a big crowd to celebrate-not now
• Giving a hug-not now
• What else is on your list?

Nothing has slowed down for us as we have tried to return. We still face many challenges as we face “culture shock” and look for ways our voice is part of the culture reset. Culture changes, as we have seen over the years of history. People make the culture; culture does not make the people. My final questions will be today are: Are you Alive, or do you Live? That answer will help you with this question: Can you deliver ideas or give thoughts to guide our culture?

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