The End of an Era

Now my Disney College Program is over. It's kinda crazy to think that it's been 6 months already. First off I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read this blog. Thank you for taking in interest in what goes on in the daily life. A big thank you goes out to all those who came and visited me making my program tolerable and one more thank you goes out to all those who sent me cards especially my sister who sent me a card ever, single week. Those cards meant a lot to me. So thank you to everyone!

Now to do the whole reflecting on my program thing. Well what can I say? I can officially say that I worked for the Walt Disney World company. All in all there were definitely some negatives to the program. The job was a nightmare. Some of my co-workers were rude. A lot of the guests were awful. Most of my roommates were the biggest jerks I've ever met and I hated being away from everything I know and everyone I love.

But, there were some good things. I learned how to be independent. I learned that I can live on my own. I got to experience every inch of Disney. I overcame my fear of roller coasters. I got to be with my "nephews" for their first visit to Disney which made everything I went through worth it, to see there faces and watch them experience Disney was amazing. Mostly importantly I met some of the most amazing people that I know I will be friends with for the rest of my life. My roommate wasn't my favorite person but we had our moments and shared the common bond of hating our other two roommates and for that I will not forget him. A select few of my co-workers Joanne, Melinda, Martha, Noel, Zobe, and Jeannette were the only ones who made working in housekeeping the slightest bit tolerable. They helped me when I need help and I returned the favor. They are all amazing people and I will miss them. My two bosses, Toni and Indy. Despite me not loving them at first, they both came through for me and I was truly happy to work with them. My dear friend Heather. Her and I are so on the same page, we have a ton in common and she is definitely one of my closest friends and of course Steven. He has been there for me since the beginning and I don't think I would have made it without him.

This program has changed me as a person. I'm not sure if it matured me more or made me think about my choices more carefully or if I'm more frugal because of it but I do know it has changed me. I have a few suggestions for those who are interested in the program or who are about to embark on a trip to do the program. First when you get your role make sure it is something that you actual want to do, otherwise you will be miserable. Don't think, oh it's an awful job but at least I will be in Disney, because at some point that won't be enough anymore. Second, meet as many people as you can. Making friends while you're there is crucial to surviving and making it through the whole program. Third, experience more than just the obvious. Yes, it's fun to ride the rides and pretend you're on a Disney vacation like everyone else but it gets old, especially after doing it for months. So, take the time to experience everything around you, meet all the characters, do the little things you wouldn't normally have time for, explore the resorts, go outside of Disney! Go to Universal or Sea World or to the beach! Just make sure you're changing it up or you will go crazy. Finally, have fun. This goes without saying but the program is about having fun and it's all about what you make out of it.

I wish you the best of luck in your program and hope my advice helped even a little bit. Now what better way to end this blog then with a quote from the man himself, a quote which really speaks to me.

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." ~ Walt Disney