Twenty things I've learned since I was elected

As this week marks the final one of my first year in office...In no particular order:

1. It's very humbling to try to explain to a class of first graders what a school committee member does.
2. There are murals on the entryway walls at Worcester East Middle School and a double fireplace in what used to be the library.
3. Sometimes a 2-5 vote is a victory.
4. Never underestimate the imporance of knowing and being able to use parliamentary procedure.
5. There are lots of theories and legends, but no one really knows what's up with the smaller gym at Doherty.
6. Sometimes suggesting you'll file an item is more effective than filing the item.
7. Always carry something for taking notes. It's when you don't have anything with you that someone will tell you about a difficulty they're having.
8. You have to go through St. Gobain security to get to the school shop.
9. Always get your notes (and your positions) up online as soon as possible.
10. Sometimes it's better to talk to administration about an item ahead of time. Sometimes it isn't. Knowing the difference makes all the difference.
11. Yes, they really did put the electricial system under the pool at South High. No, no one can explain that one, either.
12. There are more acronyms in heaven and earth, Horiatio...
13. You'll never quite get over the people suddenly grabbing your arm in the dairy section at the supermarket and saying, "I know you!"
14. ...and then you always flinch, waiting to see if they liked your last vote/speech/press comment or not.
15. The Burncoat SOFA show at the Hanover is one of the great unsung (pun intended) art events in Worcester.
16. Always answer the reporter's calls/emails/texts/Facebook messages/tweets promptly, even if all you're saying is "No comment" or "I'll have to get back to you."
17. The superintendent's office isn't in the fifth floor tower at DAB (well, wouldn't you put it there?).
18. It takes a really long time to get around to visiting all the city schools...and it's really, really important.
19. Asking questions and listening is significantly more important than making floor speeches (okay, I knew that, but this year has confirmed it).
20. There's so much more to learn in year 2...