Every weekend of my life for the last four years has been spent rushing around my house/apartment trying to find socks that matched, shoes that I had thrown the weekend before and a costume that never fit the right way.
As a freshman in college, I knew Disney was the place for me. It was a fantastic place where dreamers could dream and creative minds could wander. Children and families all over the world loved to experience the magic of Disney.
I don't know exactly what made me want to work for this company that has defined me for the last four years. Maybe it was the fact that they auditioned at UCF in the ballroom one fall day and my roommate just so happened to drag me over there. Or maybe it was the fact that I knew I would one day want to work in production and maybe this could be my "foot in the door".
Whatever it was, it happened.
I spent nights meeting people from all over the world that soon became friends and later became family. I worked the most ridiculous hours I could never quite understand--my sleep schedule was never the same. I learned so much about myself, but even more than that, about people from all over the world. I am more patient now with people in general--especially those working in customer service roles.
Disney defined my college years. Plain and simple.
I spent weekends avoiding homework and studying by wandering around one of the theme parks or at one of the resorts. I told a friend a few weekends ago, I'm pretty sure I could find my way around Magic Kingdom with my eyes closed.
So now here I am, wondering why I'm so sad to be going my own way from Disney.
I've narrowed it down to the fact that Disney is the one thing in my life I know for a one hundred percent fact I'm good at--I'm good at helping people, at fixing things for people. I'm really good at explaining things and I'm kind of an encyclopedia when it comes to the Happiest Place on Earth. If all else fails, I could go to Disney and I instantly felt like I fit in. Disney makes me safe; Disney is comfortable.
What I need to help myself realize is the fact that Disney has always been a stepping stone for me. Working in the parks was always just a temporary gig--I never, ever, ever wanted to be a manager when I first started. I had such different goals and dreams; Disney was always part of my master plan.
I don't know that I'd be making the biggest move of my life in a week if it weren't for Disney. Disney has tugged me in so many directions and pushed me until I didn't think I could take another step; this company has shown me who I am and now it's time to keep walking my path.
So with that being said, thanks for the memories, Mickey. You've been a great friend over the years and I'll never forget you.
See ya later, Disney.
<3
