Lessons Learned

The Disney College Program changed my life. Looking back on the past nine months I feel nothing but pride and happiness. These months have flown by and I can't believe that it's really over. I am so proud of how I have grown and changed throughout this experience. I wanted to share just a few of the lessons that I learned.

1) You can do anything that you set your mind to do.

For me, moving to Florida for nine months to work for Disney was a huge step. Honestly, when I left home, I didn't think that I would make it. I was afraid that I would be homesick and have to come back. But really, it was the opposite. I fell in love. Sure, I missed home and the people, but I was never really home sick and I'm so thankful for that.

2) Support is everything.

Sure, I was living on my own. But I wouldn't have made it through a week if I was completely on my own. I was so blessed to have family, friends, and even strangers supporting me. Had it not been for people praying for me, I know I would not have made it. 

3) The inside is all that matters.

I met people from all over the world: China, Puerto Rico, Wisconsin, California, and the list goes on...We don't all look the same, talk the same, or act the same. But that doesn't matter. I learned to be open to new cultures, ideas, and beliefs, and that changed me. 

4) Attitude determines altitude.

I learned that your attitude makes a huge difference. On the days that I had a good attitude, I loved being at work. On the days that I had a bad attitude, it was harder. Thankfully there were always people there to encourage me. I hope that this is a life lesson that I always keep in mind.

5) God has the bigger plan.

Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I realized that I really didn't. God has shown me that He always has the bigger plan, and that He can change my heart. But through it all, I've learned to trust Him no matter what. 

I have nothing but good things to say about the Disney College Program and I couldn't have asked for anything better. I have no regrets and I wouldn't change a thing if I could. Each and every person that I met blessed me so much. I will always be thankful for this experience and treasure the memories that I made. 

So what's next? Someone asked me if the program made me even more confused than I already was. My answer was no. Yes, I still don't know what I'm doing with my life. But the program didn't hurt that, it helped it. I believe that I learned more in the past nine months at Disney than I would have if I had been in school. I do know that I will be working at home this summer and hopefully I will be going back to Disney to put in some hours for my seasonal position as custodial at Epcot. As of right now I plan to return to school somewhere in the fall, and as of right now I plan to continue to pursue my degree in early childhood education. I say "as of right now" because those plans could be different tomorrow. Is Disney in my future? Who knows. I hope so. I left part of my heart there and hopefully one day I can return. All I know right now is that God is working and although I can't see the bigger picture, I'm trusting Him.

I'm sad to say that this is my last blog post about this particular experience in my life. I have really enjoyed blogging and sharing my thoughts and memories. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey and for supporting me! I will leave you with my favorite quote from Walt Disney, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." I'm so thankful that I had the courage to pursue my dream and believe me, IT CAME TRUE! Until next time...see ya real soon!