Eight months ago, I was experiencing dozens of firsts. First official day as a member of the college program, first day as a real cast member, first time going into the parks with a blue id, and so much more. These past few days have been a whirlwind of just as many lasts. Last class with Paul, last college program event, last day of the college program. Each memory I have of the program has been woven with happiness and thankfulness, and it is incredible bittersweet to see the past eight months completely in the rear view mirror instead of on the road ahead. I’ve already said some tough goodbyes, as friends from far off places sometimes choose to return home for an indefinite amount of time, making the later in “see you later” seem like it could be an eternity. I have learned. I have made magic. I have brought happiness into my life with the glow of friends and positivity in a work environment. I have pushed myself to be more dedicated to doing a good job and to strive to better than I did yesterday. I was a part of Disney history, as The Village Haus transformed into Red Rose Taverne. I told millions of guests that the bathroom was “straight out the doors, to the left, and around the corner on the left” and that “unfortunately we are sold out of the enchanted rose souvenir cup” with a smile every time. I have accepted the cliches that my life has created in the emotional side of me that came out in this program and in the creation of this diary on the internet. All I have is memories of this program, and they are fleeting, and like they say, “once you post on the internet it’s there forever.” I want the best memories of my life to last forever. I want to always think of the time I dressed to the nines to go have a dinner and dance party graduation celebration with my best friends. I want to always remember the jokes I made with my coworkers because we all understood what it was like to be on the back side of the counter. I want to always remember the overpowering joy I felt when I read the word “congratulations” on an email that sealed my fate and finally granted me a position that I had been trying to get for two years. I want to always remember what it felt like standing on the Hyperion stage, or walking down the lanes of the Walt Disney Studio, or touching the screen of Soarin’, or looking at the gas lamp that looks down on Main Street from behind in Walt’s apartment. I want to remember every second because I cannot guarantee happiness in this lifetime but I can guarantee a positive attitude. I have been given a taste of what my life can be if I take hold of the reins and take advantage of every opportunity. I have learned the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone from the moment I applied for a program I thought was for hundreds of people who were a better fit for Disney than I was. I have cherished friends and guest interactions alike because they can be brief but they can have such a lasting impression on both parties. Seeing a little princess curtesy to me gives my heart wings, and wishing any little mouseketeer a happy birthday always puts a bigger smile on my face. Even just working at a quick service restaurant I have had the time of my life because I knew just how important my role in the show is. Guests come from all over to be wowed by the fireworks and parades and characters, not by the people serving them meals. But that is the difference that Disney has. Every single cast member signs up to help maintain the magic in their own job no matter where guests go. Even with a simple “bonjour” or “bon appetite” I helped transport guests out of a fast food restaurant and into Belle’s small, provincial French village. I have never worked so hard and been so fulfilled in return. Every single person refers to a period of time on the past as having “flown by too quickly” and eight months will never be enough to satisfy a person yearning to constant magical moments. And I understand that people apply for multiple programs for this reason, and I understand that I am staying with the company for this reason. While I am seeking out new opportunities that will be a better fit for my interests, I cannot wait to continue my story with Disney. The college program was and always will be a special time in my life that I will treasure always, but I have no choice but to say goodbye to this period of time, no matter how fast it has flown by. I just have to keep moving forward.
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