I recently completed my first term as a freshman legislator still awed by the privilege of serving and a bit more savvy about actually being a legislator.

From the first day of the session I was amazed at the flurry of activity on the House floor. Members routinely mingled around in chambers, politely greeted each other, inquired about families and aggressively lobbied legislation. Seasoned lawmakers tracked their legislation in daily, yellow House calendars. College pages circulated new bills. Bells rang, announcing time to vote. Debate was interrupted as winning high school teams were introduced. The Senate visited to vote on judgeships. Constituent e-mails were answered, and phone calls were returned. Quick visits were made to eagerly awaiting lobbyists, and announcements of a caucus “hot lunch” were met with cheers.

Then there were the unusual distractions. The president’s visit caused otherwise subdued legislators to lunge across desks and the center aisle to secure a photo with President Bush. The rumor and then anticipation of Speaker David Wilkins’ appointment as ambassador to Canada created uncertainty for weeks. The campaign for the next speaker produced strange political alliances, and the election reinforced our united support for a new leader.

So what did I learn amid these distractions?

Few are attentively listening when you make your first impassioned speech at the podium. Lobbyists can influence public policy. The House does not seem overly concerned with the rights of local government. If you sustain the governor’s budget vetoes, your colleagues may remember when voting on a project in your district. If you override the governor’s budget vetoes, he may not forget.

Vote your conscience and what is right for your district, but be prepared to stand alone. Be patient because it may take two years or longer to get your bill passed.

When a bill becomes a law you realize that the system does work. I was the primary sponsor of the Sex Offender Registry Bill, which was signed by the governor earlier this month. Now that I know the ropes, I’m ready for next session.

Ms. Brady represents House District 78. She formerly served as vice-chair of Richland County Council and mayor of Arcadia Lakes.