It has been a few months since my College Program has ended and I wanted to update y'all on what's been going on in my life, and what life is like after the college program!
I came home in early August and was lucky enough to find an amazing job at a Market. I absolutely love my job I have consistent hours and work with completely wonderful people. I never dread going into work, and those 8 hour days never feel like 8 hours. I truly believe Disney helped me out in being able to handle constant hours at work, and standing all the time. I definitely don't work 60 hour weeks anymore but it's easy for me to stand in one place for 8 hours a day because I did double that in Florida. So I am definitely grateful for the work ethic and strength I gained at WDW.
I am almost done with my first actual semester back at school following my program. I am only taking two online courses through my current school so I wouldn't be overwhelmed by taking on 30 hour work weeks and 15 credit hours. I am actually transferring to an online school this coming semester, I'll be taking 12 credit hours and will continue to work part time. I decided to transfer to an online school because I can then travel, give full availability to my job, and can spend more time with my family and friends. It also doesn't hurt that I can look over lectures at 11 at night if I want, instead of waking up at the crack of dawn.
Let me address this next section with a bit of warning, if you plan on participating in the college program just know that the people you are closest with now will continue their lives when you leave. It's hard to stay connected with people from home and school because you are working, out with the new friends you made, or sleeping! When you come back you kind of expect that time stood still and everyone will pick right back up where you left off. You'll notice that you probably missed out on quite a few events in your friends lives and they did in yours as well. You'll be a completely different person when you come back, and that is alright! If you want to ensure you keep those relationships that you are leaving back home just make sure y'all text and talk, and set up some skype dates!
Now I know that the talk of losing people in your life may make some people sad; but let me just say that by the end of my program I had created lifelong friendships and my own Disney family that I'm not quite sure how I lived my life before them. My disney family and I have done google hangouts and have a group text going on all the time. They are always there for me and I completely adore them. I also have other friends from my positions who I talk to constantly; we text, skype, snapchat you name it. These are the people whom you can reminisce with about memories from the parks, works, your apartment, and wherever else! They'll also be the people you can turn to when you have that post DCP depression or want to share something you find funny or interesting but no one else will understand because they didn't experience it with you. My disney friends are the greatest friends I've ever made, and I absolutely love every single one of them.
I am still seasonal at WDW in Fantasyland and have already been back to cover some shifts. I plan on returning to Walt Disney World and becoming a Florida resident. I hope to do a Professional internship and maybe another College Program before that. And following those internships I plan on staying with The Walt Disney Company and climbing up the ranks!
Hey, I'm Kelsey! I am participating in the Spring 2013 Walt Disney World College Program as a Fantasyland Attractions Cast Member! This'll basically just be a place for me to talk about the adventure that I'm going on; before, during, and after the College Program.
