Thinking of the time I spent at the AORN Congress 2010, I tried to think of words that described my feelings of the event. Words came easily. In fact, the words were so plentiful, I had to choose which ones I wanted to use.

Fantastic This was how I found the process of being a Delegate. It was so refreshing to be a part of the vote that brought in the new officers, rules and regs that affect us all. With the push of a button, I became par t of the resolution of issues that will affect not only me, but my peers and the future of this organization.

Wonderful This word is perfect to describe what it was like to experience my first time as a Delegate, with my sister, who has been a member of this organization for years and is such a promoter of the AORN and eChapter. She spoke of the process of the meeting, the work that our Chapter does and the individuals she has been affected by so many times. It was so nice to see in person the events that she has described over and over to me. It was such a powerful experience, and I would recommend being a Delegate to anyone who wants to make a difference.

Exciting To be at the Opening Session, the pageantry, the energy all the way to the Closing Session, was action packed and non stop fun. However, I think the most exciting part for me, was right before the final House of Delegates: the way that Sherry, Patrick Voight, and Linda Groh came to the aid of my sister. My niece had to join my sister at this meeting out of necessity. When my sister attempted to enter the final House, she was detained because of the presence of her daughter. Sherry came to her side, bringing with her the others, to help my sister. In my view, my sister was such a small fish in this big pond and these people, the upper crust of the organization, made her feel important. In stopping their activities to come to her and tell the security team, “she is a Delegate and we authorize her to come into this meeting with her daughter,” made me feel proud that her presence mattered. It was so nice to see that even those people at my level mean something.

So, to say that being a Delegate made an impact on me is putting it mild. Would I do it again? … you bet, should the opportunity present itself. I think it will be one of the most important events of my professional career, to know I was a part of this Congress.