I have been an active member of the Arbitration Committee since January 1, 2009, having first been appointed to the committee following the 2008 election. I was reappointed in 2012 following the 2011 election, and completed that term in early January 2014. During that time, I've managed mailing lists, participated in cases, reviewed requests for amendment and clarification, developed and participated on the Audit Subcommittee, organized and managed appointment processes for checkusers, oversighters and AUSC members...and that's just the obvious stuff. I've learned a lot while I've been on the committee. A few of these lessons are listed below; they're my own opinion, and past and current colleagues may well have a different list.