To the advertising team
Central Michigan Life Business and Advertising staff members (from left) Graphic Designer Kendyl Wilson, Account Manager Lucas Bieganski, Advertising Manger Rachel Kidder, Team Lead Olivia Garcia and Team Lead Mason Turner hold certificates and plaques awarded at the 2024 Associated Collegiate Press spring conference in La Jolla, California.
As many of you may know, I have been working for CM Life for about 3 years. I started when our office was at one of the lowest lows. We had very little staff, I was untrained and attempting to manage an office.
With that perspective I am so amazed by this team. You are all driven, thoughtful and incredible people. The account managers before you all were capable and talented, but you take it even further.
You take failures in stride, celebrate other’s successes and have taken the empty office that I was fighting to fill and have made it full of light and success. You all have been fundamental to my growth as a professional and as a person.
You have all provided me with life advice and held me when times were hard. We laughed together and helped each other succeed; I couldn’t have asked for more from this wonderful team.
I certainly wouldn’t have made it this far in this major, or even through college at all if it wasn’t for CM Life. Kathy and Regan have provided me room to grow and learn. I wouldn’t be as capable as a professional or adult had they not been there to listen to every rant and provide me with the support and tools to push through my challenges.
They have acted as my biggest cheerleaders throughout my journey here, and I cannot explain how grateful I am to have had them as mentors.
Specifically, to all the account managers, I am devastated to leave. You are my family; you have been a consistent source of light in my life. I am going to miss coming into a full office and listening to all the jokes, laughter, supportive words and advice.
Some of my best college memories come from spending time with you guys. I am going to miss every single one of you. As I am sitting here writing this, you all are surrounding me, doing what you do best: filling this office with light. I know you all will exit this office as I am now and set the world on fire.
I love you all, beat Cal Poly, and Fire Up. CM Life 4 Life <3
Love, Rachel
Rachel Kidder is Central Michigan Life's national account manager and the 2023-24 advertising manager. She is graduating Saturday with degrees in advertising and graphic design.
