- It's very humbling to try to explain to a class of first graders what a school committee member does.
- There are murals on the entryway walls at Worcester East Middle School and a double fireplace in what used to be the library.
- Sometimes a 2-5 vote is a victory.
- Never underestimate the imporance of knowing and being able to use parliamentary procedure.
- There are lots of theories and legends, but no one really knows what's up with the smaller gym at Doherty.
- Sometimes suggesting you'll file an item is more effective than filing the item.
- 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.
- You have to go through St. Gobain security to get to the school shop.
- Always get your notes (and your positions) up online as soon as possible.
- 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.
- Yes, they really did put the electricial system under the pool at South High. No, no one can explain that one, either.
- There are more acronyms in heaven and earth, Horiatio...
- You'll never quite get over the people suddenly grabbing your arm in the dairy section at the supermarket and saying, "I know you!"
- ...and then you always flinch, waiting to see if they liked your last vote/speech/press comment or not.
- The Burncoat SOFA show at the Hanover is one of the great unsung (pun intended) art events in Worcester.
- 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."
- The superintendent's office isn't in the fifth floor tower at DAB (well, wouldn't you put it there?).
- It takes a really long time to get around to visiting all the city schools...and it's really, really important.
- Asking questions and listening is significantly more important than making floor speeches (okay, I knew that, but this year has confirmed it).
- There's so much more to learn in year 2...
Monday, December 27, 2010
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:
3 and 4. I learned those two myself.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your one year anniversary.