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A few years ago, Karen Laas was working in a retail position at a department store, wishing for a better way to spend her time. The long hours and boredom on the job made her think about what she could do to change her life. While in the hospital for major surgery, she found the health care environment appealing. “They told me it was such a great place to work that nobody ever left,” said Laas. “I have always liked people, and always worked with the public. I decided to check out careers in health care.”
When Laas began to research schools, she quickly found Brown Mackie College – Salina. The flexible class format with one class at a time was an important factor in her decision. She enrolled in the Practical Nursing program, and later switched to the Medical Assisting program. “I knew from past experience that I had test anxiety,” she said. “I would overanalyze the questions. This distorted the meaning and I would answer wrong, even when I knew the material.”
Pouring herself into her academics, Laas managed her test anxiety successfully. Her name has popped up on the honor roll, and local and national President’s Dean’s Lists. She is included in the Who’s Who of American Junior College Students, and served for two years as President of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society at Brown Mackie College – Salina. In addition, she was also President of the medical club, Hearts of Compassion, an Allied Health student organization at Brown Mackie College – Salina, where she coordinated activities to help people in the community.
Laas graduated in 2006 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting. Today, she works as a Specialty Technician at Salina Regional Hospital, just across the street from the facility that first piqued her interest in health care as a career. She is also continuing her education, attending Washburn University to complete the Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program.
She credits Linda Henningson, Brown Mackie College – Salina Nursing Administrator, and Ann Knowles, General Education Chair at Brown Mackie College – Salina, with offering particular assistance. “Even today when they see me, they ask if I still overanalyze everything.” Laas said, laughing. Pleased with the new direction her life has taken, she said, “I chose health care because I felt I could help.”
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