This has been one of the most rewarding and remarkable experiences of my life.
I am in week number 7 in Knoxville, which is to be my last week with Accenture. What an incredible journey. Not only did I develop a wonderful relationship with an IL colleague - I got to know some pretty terrific people from Accenture along the way.
I have watched these folks learn the crazy product we call HMO and develop from the first day we did claims - where each of them looked at me like I had 3 heads. It's a learning process, as I remind them daily. No one comes out of the gate knowing it all. I remember not being good at claims when I started my career at BCBSIL, but I never stopped trying, never stopped wanting to know why. That curiosity led me to become a Customer Advocate Specialist. My desire to find a way to work around errors and problem solve, to make the puzzle pieces fit - well, that led me to my current position of HMO Coordinator. When I saw this position and the possibility of travel, I jumped at it. I thought that going around in Illinois would be fantastic. I never dreamt of an opportunity such as this.
I watch each of them learn and grow with each passing day and I find myself feeling like a proud mama. It truly shows on someone's face the moment they "get it". A few still struggle yet, but the most important part? They haven't stopped trying. I'm here to tell my Knoxville family - don't ever give up. It's much like life. The things that are worth the most are the things we work hardest for. It will come.
So many personalities in one room. I started out in a room full of strangers, and now Justin, Joe, DeAnna, Shara, Amanda, Cathe, Stephanie, Frank, Kathy, Bethany, Teagan, Chris, Taharin, Missie, Nazeem, T'Keyah, and Milo - you are part of my extended family. I am blessed to have gotten to know you all. You made me feel incredibly welcome and cared about. I won't ever forget this time we shared together. I've seen you grow and develop. Liz and I laid the foundation for you - now you go and make it your own.
Thank you to Chris Gambill, Katharine, the Accenture security(who I got acquainted with daily), the Accenture IT people (my Monday laptop hookups), the Manila team- Al, Maryann and Mai (thanks for your support!), and Paul (Midwest people rock!). Every one of you contributes to this team in some way, and the team effort will lead to a successful result.
I had some adventure along the way - which if you know me at all, you know this is a prerequisite. I've seen Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Chattanooga, - checked a second state off my list (North Carolina), been through Cade's Cove in the Smoky Mountains National Park and hiked a treacherously steep path to Clingman's Dome (had to catch my breath many times) and experienced the Lost Sea. I had a lovely day with Chris Stevens to the casino, then an accidental trip down the Dragon that we will never forget. My tummy is queasy thinking about it. Chris introduced me to McKays- this is a GINORMOUS used book, DVD, CD and video game store. Can you say heaven?? The only thing that would have made it perfect would have been a Starbucks inside. Hell, I had to have the trainer "hold" my books until this trip because I would have never, ever made weight.
So many restaurants. Food choices are abundant here. This probably will involve a bit of hard work at home to go back to normal...eh, it was totally worth it. A wide variety of adult beverages may have been consumed also. One of those job hazards you hear about. I say - while in Knoxville, do as the Knoxvillians would do. There is this highway called Alcoa, but referred to as Al- killya. That road I will not miss, as I must venture on it daily. The hot tub at the hotel is quite lovely to relax in at night. I take a book down and read and soak. I've hung out at Market Square, and gave a valiant effort to eat at all the available choices there.
I gave my family praise above, but three need a wee bit more. To Liz Taylor, I say - you are a fantastic individual. The effort you put forth for this class shines through in waves. These processors are blowing out of the water the initial expectations set forth for them. You related to these folks on a personal level, and truly cared. It speaks volumes for you as a professional. To add to that, I am glad to say I got to know you better and enjoyed the heck out of the adventures we shared. I will contact you on that flow chart we discussed so I know where I am (inside joke). Thank you for letting me be your sidekick.
To Rob - you are an amazing lead, and Accenture is fortunate to have you. Thanks for directing me to the best places to eat and making sure that I always had everything I needed to do my job. I will miss hearing the stories of your family. I am sure that your wife and your daughter are wonderful people. I hope you continue to grow and excel with Accenture in the future, as you deserve all the success in the world. I'd love to come back and visit again, and you are a large part of that.
Scarecrow- I think I'll miss you most of all. To my Tenacious D friend, Dale- I am glad we became friends. I don't know who I will play musicals trivia with, but I am sure that they won't be Musicals King of the World like you. You made my time here fun, and were kind enough to let me hang out with your family, which was endless amusement for me. You, Josh, and your brother remind me of the cruder version of the Three Stooges. Plus - puppies! I got to hold the fluffy, smooshy puppies! NYC is calling you, Dale.
The Moose hat made me cry, and I love the card. I will miss you all very much. Please keep in touch with me. Thanks for making me remember why I love my job. My friends at home thank you for letting me return. It is inevitable that we will meet again. I am so blessed to have been a part of your world.
Until we meet again,
Angie
