Preparation

It's hard to believe that in just 8 short days I will be taking one of the biggest steps of my life and starting a new journey. I am so overwhelmed with emotions right now that I don't know what to do with myself. Before I get too deep into this, let me explain how I got to where I am.

For years, my dream has been to participate in the Disney College Program and I have always planned on making that dream come true. In February, Disney started accepting applications for the fall program and I applied immediately. I applied online, went through a web-based interview, as well as a phone interview, and then the waiting began. Disney's rule is that they will update you on your employment status every two weeks. The fourteenth day came and I received an email saying that I was pending a final decision. Two more weeks passed and I got another email saying the same thing. Finally, after another week passed I got an email saying that I had been accepted! I was beyond excited!

So I'm accepted into the College Program...what does that mean? I will be taking a semester off of school and working for Disney. It's kind of like an internship. I leave this Friday, August 9th, and won't return home until January 3rd. The next question...what is my job? I'm going to be a custodian! I'm not entirely sure of my job description, but it will consist of things like sweeping the streets, taking out trash, and cleaning bathrooms. It's a job that isn't repetitive, yet still allows me to have a high level of guest interaction. Where will I be living? Disney has four housing complexes that are much like dorms for College Program participants to live in. My "apartment" will have a bedroom that I will share with someone, as well as a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. I have a roommate, Lauren, and we're hoping that just the two of us will be sharing living space. I don't know her, but I can already tell from talking to her that she is sweet and we will be great friends! Do I know anyone else doing the program? Yes! A friend from high school, Jack, is doing the College Program as well. It is a relief to know that I will have a friend with me!

The thing that people always say when I tell them about this is, "Your mama is going to miss you so much!" And she is. I'm going to miss her too, as well as the rest of my family and friends. I have been overwhelmed with love and support from the entire community. I have had two surprise parties, as well as surprises from my coworkers and running friends. I am so blessed to have so many sweet friends in this small town, and words cannot even begin to describe how much I'm going to miss everyone! I'm very excited about this new adventure, yet very sad to leave. I know that there are going to be many hard days ahead of me, but many good days too. Thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated, as I still have a lot of packing left to do. I still have a few goodbyes to say as well, and those are never easy. 

I'm going to try to post on this blog as much as I can to keep everyone updated! See ya real soon!