The Best Part

I am constantly asked: "what was your favorite part?" There is no way that I could answer that question in a normal conversation. 

The best part were the people that I not only became friends with, but completely fell in love with. As a strong believer in fate, I know that this world brought us together on purpose.  And when I say I fell in love I don't mean in a boyfriend girlfriend way. I mean that I found several individuals I want to spend the rest of my life with. I found people who know and understand every one of my quirks. I found people who forgave my worst flaws and helped me recognize my greatest strengths. People who would do anything to help me in a time of need. People who make me laugh and cry and and scream and dance. 

The best part is that even those I didn't have a chance to fall in love with brought joy and knowledge to my life. The people who I knew for 7 months but never saw outside of work. The people who made me a part of their vacations and family memories. The people who stopped to thank me or tell me that I'm doing a good job. The people who understood that Disney was my job, but making magic is my passion. The people that I only had the pleasure to know for a month but made a lasting impression on me.

The best part was my roommate, who always listened and never judged. Who told me the truth when I needed it. Who stood by me even when I felt I didn't deserve her.

The best part was the nights I spent in someone's livingroom playing card games and laughing. The nights I spent with a large group of the friendliest girls and guys I've ever met. The nights I spent with my very best friends. The nights when I didn't get home until 5 am and I still wasn't ready for them to end. The nights I spent hours in a restruant talking and talking about anything that came to mind.  The nights when it didn't matter what we did or where we went as long as we were together.

The best part was my long phone calls from home. The phone calls that brought me closer to my mom, even when she was states away. The phone calls that helped me to learn about myself and my family.  The phone calls with my best friend from home who I continue to love and feel as close to as the day I left.

The best part was the support I recieved from all over.  The friends and family members who read my posts and viewed my pictures. Those who showed me that I am incredibly loved, and lucky to have people who care about me.  Those who followed my journey.

The best part is that although I had heeps of support, I was finally independent. That I earned my own paycheck and paid my own bills.  That I made my owns decisions and took responsibility for my own mistakes. 

The best part is that I can keep writing for hours about everything I did, learned, witnessed, tasted, created, and felt but there will still be more favorites. That this post could be a novel if I only had the time.

The best part of my Disney College Program is that even the absolute worst moments came with magic and love.  

The best part of The Disney College program is that I am sitting in a coffee shop tearing up as I write this, and I can't ever finish this post.

The Final Days

My final weeks at Disney were challenging. I found myself working in a new location, under new management, and with new, harder challenges. Working at the Frozen Sing Along had its ups and downs. The first week was the worst. I found myself going home crying because I thought that I couldn't handle the negative guest interactions and high stress environment. But I adapted, I learned, and I grew a thicker skin. 

Somehow in a short period of time I became close with a few of my new coworkers. I enjoyed making magic and dancing at the frozen fireworks.  I turned negative situations into positive ones, and I found ways to have fun in this new work place: receiving four Fanatic Cards in the process. 

My last week was one of mixed feelings. It felt strange leaving from a place where some of my coworkers still didn't know my name. I was sad when my managers didn't recognize me in my normal clothes all while those I consider family still remain at Animal Kingdom. I was happy to be going home, to finally sleep in my own bed, to see my family and cuddle with my dog, to take a break from working! It also made me sad to be leaving some new coworkers that I would have been great friends with had I been given more time. 

I spent the entire last week with Erin and Jackie. We went to all of the parks and went to many attractions. The best part was going to Animal kingdom one last time. We said farewell to the best coordinators I could have asked for and watched Festival of the Lion King one last time from the VIP section. Timon sent us goodbye kisses and we left our home.

There were more tears when our Frozen coworkers started posting that they are thankfull for us! 

My last day in Orlando was extra special. Some of my friends decided to celebrate my birthday 3 months early. They made a card and had it signed by my favorite disney characters. They sent me an extra awesome picture with Mickey. 

Despite my telling them I'd pay for myself they bought me lunch, cookies, and a smoothie. My flight was delayed 3 hours but I wasn't upset - that meant spending 3 more hours with them. We met up with more friends at the Boba Tea place and talked, laughed, and relaxed. When it came time, we made our way to the airport. I must have hugged everyone at least 3 times. I didn't want to let go. But it was time to go home, so I took my bags and said "see ya real soon."  

At bag check the clerk gave me a $100 gift card to spend on my next flight - making it possible for me to go back and visit Orlando sometime in the near future! I immediately called my friends to tell then I'd be back.

I cried as I watched the plane take off. My 7 months of fun, learning, working, and loving has really come to an end. I ou hope to remember that it wasn't just a dream.  

The people I met on the Disney College Program are the most beautiful, caring, empathetic, intelligent, like minded, diverse people I could imagine meeting. Together we overcame long hours, tough days, and intense challenges. We celebrated wins and mourned losses.  Together we grew and at heart together we shall always be. I don't have one home anymore. My heart has pieces in Florida, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, China, Indonesia, and many other places. 

Coming home is hard, but I couldn't be any more thankful.