Hey everyone,
As a World of Warcraft player from the very beginning, it was always a dream of mine to one day post in blue on the official forums, to share in the highs and lows as we adventured through Azeroth together. It was a goal I strived toward obtaining upon joining the Game Master team in Cork, Ireland way back in 2008. In 2015 that dream was realised, and I joined the European Community team in Versailles, France, and got to make my first post in blue (after going through the rather lengthy process of choosing an avatar name and getting it approved 
). I still remember that day vividly, and how – almost immediately - many of you were demanding information from me on whether another patch was coming for Warlords of Draenor!
That ferocious energy is why WoW has always been a game very close to my heart. I started WoW during a very low period of my life, and (like many of you I imagine) was blown away by not just the world of Azeroth itself, but the players who form its community. I’ve made lifelong friends from around the world as a result of WoW - some of those friends have even gone on to get married and have children. Even after 11 years at Blizzard it still blows my mind to think that a video game could have such a profound impact on the lives of so many people.
I’ve always vowed to give back to the community as much as I could. While as a Community Manager the fruits of that labour often could not be shared, I have always been there – reading your forum posts, tweets, and reddit banter. Lurking in your discords. Watching your video content and streams. Always forwarding on your thoughts and feedback. Your boundless energy, creativity, passion, hunger, (and sometimes scathing humour) has always inspired and humbled me every single day. I count it as a blessing that I was able to meet some of you in person at events, and geek out about the game we love.
However, all good things must always come to an end, and after 4 years it’s time for me to put the lid back on this pot of blue ink. 
Today is my last day as a member of the European Community team. In a different timeline this might not have been the case, but starting next week I’ll be moving onto new challenges, and new adventures. While I’m excited for what’s ahead, I’m also sad to be leaving behind something that has been such a huge part of my life for over a decade.
So, I wanted to take this last opportunity to thank you:
- Thank you to all of you on the forums – whether you’re a regular poster, lurker, or someone who chimes in occasionally, you made sure there was never a dull moment!
- Thank you to everyone who came out in force to gamescom, Legion Café, and other events.
- Thank you for putting up with my bad jokes and puns on the WoW social media accounts.
- Thank you to all of the content creators for all the amazing creations you make (and for also putting up with my constant nagging).
- Thank you, all of you, for making the WoW community the best there is!
You made this feel more than just a job, and I will never forget that! 
It would be remiss of me not to extend a thank you to my colleagues on the CM team, many of whom have already moved onto new challenges, and new adventures. You were the best co-workers anyone could ask for.
‘Til we meet again, perhaps in the Shadowlands – THANK YOU, DANKE, MERCI, ¡GRACIAS!, GRAZIE! 
For Azeroth,
Aerythlea
P.S. There’s still no Cow Level Trust Level 5
