September 25, 2009
Happy Birthday Karen!
Today is a very magical because its the birthday of our very own Karen Bernstein, Chapters Coordinator Extraordinaire and Senior Staffer! I first met Karen a year and half ago (on a conference call) and ever since she has been one of my very best friends. Join me and the rest of our staff in wishing Karen a Very “Harry” Birthday!
Some thoughts from the rest of the staff…..On a very lucky day I got an email from a Karen Bernstein letting me know that she was interested in volunteering for the HP Alliance. When I called her it was an incredibly frantic experience as she and her mom were lost in New York City. When I finally did talk with her via phone I was really impressed by her passion for social justice, theater, dance, and life. As time went on and she began the chapters program I went from being impressed to being floored. I could not believe that I was working with someone so unbelievably talented and wonderful with people, ideas, and organizing. Karen has a way about her that is contagious and welcoming and wonderful and I am so grateful to call her a close friend. Since meeting her at Leaky Con and watching her run brilliant programming to spending time with her when she came to Boston after a year and a half of talking endlessly over the phone, Skype, and email – I have to feel that Karen is not only unbelievably talented in the realm of social organizing, education, being a trusted advisor – she is brilliant as a human being. Her heart is beautiful as is her spirit and I am so grateful to her as a friend. So Happy and Healthy 22nd birthday Karen! I want to say “thank you for being you” but I also want to say “thank you for being my friend.”
-Andrew Slack
Happy Birthday to you, Karen! We know you’ll be up late on your birthday studying for your LSATs, but that’s just what you do, and I completely look up to you as a friend and mentor. Whenever I tell people how awesome Karen Bernstein is, I have to mix together the stories of the amazing privilege activity we did at LeakyCon (why does Andrew get more markers!?!,) and the fun we had staying up all night that same day. Thanks for everything you do for the HPA, the world, and your friends. 
-Brenna
Karen.You.Are.So.Totally.Awesome! Seriously, you do so much for the HPA and you’ve really helped me when I needed it. I’m honestly honored to consider you my friend, seriously not kidding! Hope you have a “totally awesome”, amazing and epic birthday! You totally deserve it!
Wishing you love, peace and good karma,
-Angelia
Happy Birthday Karen- you pretty much exemplify the awesomeness that is the HPA, thanks for always being there to help and to keep us on-task, and for thinking up creative ice-breakers! Your work with the chapters is beyond amazing, never leave us! and have a Happy Happy Birthday!
-Taekia
One of the best times I’ve had with Karen was this past summer when she lived in NYC for 8 weeks. We went had Thai food and went to Shakespeare in the Parkinglot to see the most unusual performance of “A Midsummer Nights Dream.” We had so much fun hanging out in the city that day. Happy birthday, Karen! You deserve it.
-Malory
Leave your birthday wishes in the comments!
Jenni
Permalink
Well, major fail on my part for not emailing Kate in time, but I have met few people who are made of as much awesome as Karen. I had no idea what I wanted to or was going to do when I joined the HPA staff, but I started helping Karen out with Chapters stuff and I’ve been working on that (and a bunch of other stuff) since.
I hope you get to have some fun on your birthday and it’s not all just LSAT prep.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN!
Acacia
Permalink
Happy Birthday, Karen! You’re amazing- I hope your day rocks!
Dinah
Permalink
Same situation as Jenni, so here’s my love to you, Karen!
My favorite Karen memory was the first time I met her in person. I was waiting in the lobby of the hotel and knew she was due to show up at any moment. Eagerly watching through the glass doors, I finally saw her walk around the corner. I immediately took off at a run and so did she. The sheer awesomeness of us both running through sets of doors just to hug each other as soon as possible cannot be topped. The only thing I can think of being more awesome than that first face to face greeting will be our next! So happy birthday, Karen! May today be an amazing day for you. You deserve it!
Abby
Permalink
Karen, you took the challenge of wishing me happy birthday on as many social networking sites as possible. That’s the kind of person you are – so extremely dedicated to your friends. I would like to point out, however, that I am going to destroy your measly eight methods.
The first time I saw you, we were forced to meet each other. It was a crazy “come meet Karen, she looks like you!” moment. Since then, we’ve seen Twilight together at midnight, adventured to Camelot Treasures multiple times, and taken countless tall people pictures. Even though my parents may or may not like you more than me, you should know that you’re an amazing person and I wish you every happiness this year and all the rest.
Alyssa
Permalink
Thank you so much for everything you do for the HPA, I haven’t known you for that long, nor do i even know you, but you are amazing =P
Happy Birthday xD
Lyssa
John
Permalink
Happy birthday Karen! You are a fantastic person and I hope that today is a good one.
Danielle
Permalink
Happy belated birthday Karen! You are so full of kindness and energy and an inspiation to those who have the privlege of working with you. You are always so encouraging to the chapter organizers, and I don’t think we could thank you enough for that! It was lovely meeting you at LeakyCon; you were just as awesome in person as I imagined from your e-mails. I hope you had a wonderful birthday and have a wonderful year!
MaysLizzie
Permalink
Every body admits that life is expensive, however different people require cash for different issues and not every man gets big sums money. Therefore to receive some credit loans or sba loan would be a correct way out.