There's Something About Karen...

Karen is leaving Blue Cross. Those seem to be words I never thought I’d say. She has been such an integral part of the CAS team – training many of us in various things and taking the lead to get us there. Once she moved into her position as the HMO Claims Developmental Specialist, she continued to help us learn and grow. Now it’s time for her to learn and grow.

I know that to me she was a personal mentor. We may not have seen eye to eye at times, and I know I was not the easiest person to train. Karen has seen me at my worst. However, she has also helped me become my best. That is why I couldn’t let her go without saying a few nice things. I may not do everything right, but I wanted to do something I excel at for you, Karen.

Karen was one of the first people to encourage me to apply to be a CAS (some days I thank her, other days not so much!). I swore that was never going to happen, and she told me that I knew more than I thought I did. These words became a running dialog with her in my position. She never let me take the easy way out. She made me work for each answer, develop the research tools, and frustrated the hell out of me…at first. The longer I was in the position, the easier it became to find the answer and the greater the satisfaction for me. Yes, Karen could be tough and is to this day the master of the eye roll.

In her own way, she was teaching me to be successful.

I became a better friend to her outside of Blue Cross. I admired Karen for going to school, and envied the things that she learned. I also admired her love for her family. Even when she didn’t work directly with me, I still felt like Karen was my cheerleader. I continue to ask her a question or two from time to time but now they are the questions that sometimes even she can’t answer right away. It feels good.

Karen, I think you can do anything you set your mind to. I know you have had your doubts about leaving, but it’s time for you to show the world just how truly badass you can be. Never ever settle. Never ever give up. Wipe those butts with pride, girly! (hopefully not much of that and more of other stuff) You have made an impact in my life, and I am proud to be your friend. If you ever need a sympathetic ear, I am always here.

Thanks for everything,

Angie