End of a Decade

Wow, 2010 will be over in 6 1/2 hours. This year has been a whirlwind - it's the only way I can really describe it. I've experienced, love, heart break, trust, betrayal, happiness, anger, satisfaction, frustration--you name it.

I feel like I am a completely different person than I was on January 1. It's amazing where life takes you, ya know? In 2010 alone, I've spent the night in over 6 states, flown through a couple more, drove through even more. I caught the traveling bug ;-)

People have left my life, re-entered, or completely joined. The people I have met this year have truly changed my life and I thank you for that - you guys know who you are =)

Overall, I've grown up. I graduated college, learned to cook (and love it!) and started a legit internship where it was like finance boot camp. I worked my butt off and I'm proud to say that effective January 9, 2011, I will be a Financial Analyst with The Walt Disney Company.

I'm eager for 2011, bring it on!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Another Fail

So the month of October flew by with many visitors and such. So sorry!!

Work has been going great! I've worked on a variety of things and have gotten great exposure to the systems we use. I really enjoy my team and things are really picking up! 2 months left and it's so scary! Job app time is coming up as is our final presentation, dun dun dun. haha

I know this was short, but I just wanted to write a little note that I've alive and well! Going to KY next weekend and then home after that. See you soon!

Evangeline's

So my life was consumed by my Finance Fundamentals project. We were given the pro-forma and year 1 actual results of a restaurant. We had to come up with a theme and then also changes that would be made to make the restaurant perform better in year 2 - to essentially get it back on the path.

Our team, titled the Goof Troop, created Evangeline's located at Port Orleans French Quarter. It was based on Princess and the Frog - a nice romantic, elegant restaurant. We made some adjustments and had a pretty solid case. We presented on Wednesday to a group full of managers, executives and fellow interns. I thought we did really well - all the groups did. I'm really proud of all of us!

Now that it is over, my schedule is freeing up a bit, though we started our Department Overviews which is a series of presentations from different finance departments so we have a good idea of different areas when we want to do meet and greets and start applying.

I'm still working on promotional analysis in addition to other odds and ends. Liz and Megan came into town last weekend - Disney in 2 days. WOO! I think I finally recovered hahaha Just in time too - Victor comes in this weekend. It's a busy busy month!!

FAIL ON UPDATING

Yeah, I know. It's been a month. Life has been a bit busy. Let's see where I left off.

I did go home, and saw family and some friends so that was really nice. Exhausting but nice. It's hard to travel home when you work M-F.

Work has gone by so fast! I've been working on my Finance Fundamentals project (information will be disclosed after the presentation haha) and the analysis of the QSR promotion. It's been a fantastic learning experience. My leaders and peers have kind of let me run with it. I'm getting great experience with the data pulling tools that we have. I went to training classes before on it, but I learn best by experiencing it.

This week I got to go to an All Hands meeting and hear about this past quarters results some more and then listen to presentations on the new cruise ship (Dream) and the new fall line up/movie released. Let me just say, CANNOT wait to go on a cruise haha

Also this week was a team afternoon. The fiscal year is winding down so everyone is celebrating a job well done. We went around Epcot on a picture scavenger hunt, it was a nice team builder, so much fun!

My life this week has been a bit busy. I've been in and out of the building for various meetings, I think I had a total of maybe 8 hours working time. Oye! Its' stressful but kinda cool haha

Outside of work, as mentioned I went home. Summer and I had a tourist day, we needed a little Disney magic in our life. I got a big group together to go to Mama Melrose's and that was just awesome. How I managed to get 9 people together, I will never know. Last night we went to Disney on Ice. I love how I have found people who are driven and intelligent, but still have that passion for things like Disney on Ice. It's nice =)

I need to start working on my resume and apply for some other internships. I can start applying for full time positions in November, dun dun dun!

Time is Flying

Last week was forecast week, and it was interesting with two of our leaders out in CA. It was pretty hectic. I offered my services to anyone that needed them haha. I worked on budgets for most of the week. I met with one of the pricing cast members to discuss the analysis done on promotions. I like getting a feel for the other areas that work closely with mine to see how everything comes together.

This past week I met with my mentor for a bit and discussed meet and greets, that protocol and such. We had another meeting for our class during which we met our team adviser. The class itself this week was pretty interesting - a lot of valuable real world stuff which I appreciate. I also started to learn more about programs we use to pull data from so I can help with random requests. I'm excited!

The working life is pretty good, I realize though that time is flying so I'm starting to think about January. We all are. Everyone is a bit stressed since the majority of us have graduated, it's nice to know I'm not alone in that. We're all supporting each other and I couldn't ask for anything more. I actually bought a GMAT test prep book. I figured knock it out and it's good for a few years.

Two of my old college program roommates are back for another program, so we had a little reunion. It's weird that so many people are back! It's nice though. Some attractions are closing for refurbishment and Summer Nightastic is ending, so we made a trip to studios to enjoy some of it one last time. Tonight, Wishes returns and I could not be more excited. I'm goin!

I'm traveling home next weekend to celebrate some birthdays, go to my cousins baby shower and my sister's birthday party. It'll be nice to see the fam!

Pat on the Back

Let me just say - I am proud how often I have updated this. I'm patting myself on the back haha much improvement from my college program days haha.

My busy calendar mildly fell apart this week, but that's ok. I went to my first promotions meeting and met with Amy who is the go to person for all promotions and that was awesome. She was really chill, a nice welcoming vibe. My promotions analysis meeting got pushed to next week.

I had my first meeting with my Finance Fundamentals team and it was very productive. We have to prepare a budget for year 2 for a restaurant and figure out why it didn't bring in as much cash as expected. We discussed the numbers and developed a pretty awesome theme, which I will not reveal.

Our second class in Finance Fundamentals was on financial reporting, so naturally I really enjoyed it, others not so much. The next day we had a class on Excel which was very helpful.

Friday was a busy day for me! I met with someone on my team and discussed how to work on a budget. Then I had a brownbag lunch with some executives and then back to work on my budget. I'm pretty excited about this - it's the real deal ya know?

Next week is forecast week so everyone is going to be in a tizzy. I'm working a longer day tomorrow - I want to get in early to sign up for the cast choir in the candlelight processional but then I have a meeting until 5.

I hung out with some of the other finance interns on Friday - that was nice. To see everyone out of the working world with their game face on haha. I started going to the dance studio I found that has adult classes and it's awesome. The guy that runs it choreographs professionally and used to work for Disney! It's a lot of fun.

I've had a pretty chill weekend, tonight I'm making Mamma Mia Meatloaf. I know - you're jealous. =P

Corporate Barbie

I've fallen into quite the routine here. I wake up, take a shower, put on my corporate gear, chat with Summer, make breakfast/lunch, head to work. I have reports to do on Monday/Tuesday as well as catch up from happenings over the weekend. Go to lunch, work on whatever, pack up go home, have dinner, hang out with friends, go to sleep. Wash, Rinse Repeat.

Last week, I met with my mentor. As mentioned before we have a leader, coach and mentor. Our mentor is someone still in finance, but outside the department. Kind of a safety zone. They are there to help you with anything. I immediately loved her. She has worked a variety of jobs, having just transitioned into a new role at Downtown Disney - my former home! We sat and talked for an hour, and I expressed to her I wanted to pursue more accounting and that I was interested in pricing. She thought of some departments for me, taking notes, thinking of ways to get me in on shadow opportunities. I get to meet with her every 3 weeks. Next time, we're getting Earl of Sandwich =)

I also got to pick the brain of my leader last week. After the forecast meeting, I went through the presentation deck and just wrote down questions. Some were legit 'what is this chart?' and others where just general 'why is this like this?'. I only got through a handful in our blocked time (which we went over...). Next time!

One of our team members also transitioned into a new role. We had a farewell lunch for him and he came to me and told me if I needed anyone to talk to, he was there. He had been through the intern program and such. I'm going to miss him! He was fun, and I really appreciate his offer of advice. I told him I would probably harass him haha

This past week has been pretty quiet. A lot of the team is on vacation, including my leader. During my check-in with my coach, I expressed to her how much I enjoyed tracking the quick service coupon promotion and I'd like to learn more about it. We get up, walk around the building, she introduces me to some people who are involved and got me in on the weekly meetings. Then she took me around the building some more and I spoke with one of the cast members that designs the stores. He showed me some previous projects which was really neat. He worked on the new cruise ship stores and will be working on the Hawaii resort stores.

I set up time to meet with one of the pricing cast members to review how they analyze promotions and then I also have time with another cast member who works in merchandise planning to hear her input on the promotions gig.

Also during my check-in, Duranne decided to pull me from the SAP class and put me in the merchandise training class instead. I felt pretty special not having to do all the typical intern classes haha. The class was really interesting. It was on contract and policy compliance. Basically the rules and steps that have to followed and taken in order for a product to be released. Making sure its not a rip off and what to do if it is a royalty.

I started my finance fundamentals class on Wednesday. It was much like my PDS class during my college program, but now I think I can appreciate it more. The highlight of this class was I met the woman that interviewed me. I went up and introduced myself and told her how stress-free my interview was and such. I mean, my interview was a conversation. I actually laughed during it. It wasn't me putting up this prim and proper face. I was honest and I guess that's why I'm here now.

I am really jazzed for next week - my calendar has a lot on it, I love it!

From a personal life standpoint, I've been running around, having fun. I can't have too many lazy days, thanks to my Papa for that. I got a new roomie, Alisha, on Monday and she's pretty cool. She's working at the Land - extended her internship. So far so good there!

We do a lot of gather around and eat dinner things haha Still doing our weekly dinner and some impromptu dinners with the neighbors. Last week we went to the Polynesian, sat on the beach and watch the water pageant/fireworks. I saw Fantasmic the other night and spent the afternoon at Cocoa Beach yesterday.

Everyday is different. I've been doing a lot of soul searching/what am I doing with my life after January thinking. I just got a flash of the scene in Pocahontas during Just Around the Riverbend. "Should I choose the smoothest course, steady as the beating drum...."

Copy, Paste Values

This week was a bit long. I was busy at work and outside of work with the 4th and birthdays and such.

The week has been a lot of me sitting and listening to one the members of my team explain what he does at month end for closing and forecasting since he is changing jobs. It was overwhelming. I wasn't the only one feeling that way, even finance professionals did too so I shouldn't feel that bad, but it does make me question finance as my field. I enjoy accounting more which is less grey - I like black and white. But we'll see.

I started editing a file to set it up for the quarter 3 summary, and started matching item numbers to papers with merchandise on it that are held in the royalty department.

I sat in on the forecast meeting and went to training on presentations as well at the end of the week. I have more training coming up and then my finance fundamentals class starts the week after.

I think I've heard the phrase "copy, past values" more than anything this week haha, oh excel.

I'm enjoying my time here, socially and professionally - so far so good!

Enjoying Your 2nd Dinner?

Last Saturday I spent a few hours in the Animal Kingdom and then came home and made my famous Mamma Mia Baked Ziti for dinner. Michael made Banana Foster which was so good!

So Monday was day 2 of orientation (backstage at Hollywood Studios) where we learned more about what to do in order to further our career, definitely valuable information. After that we took a little walk to our lunch location which was in a room meant for events like this, but in true Disney fashion it was decorated with old props from shows/parades. There were puppets from the Lion King show at Magic Kingdom (pre Philharmagic) and contraptions from the Tapestry of Nations parade. We had lunch with a few executives who spoke to us about their history and what we should do during our time here. It was stressful haha but a good experience none the less.

After lunch we took a walk through DHS and rode Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster. It was important for us to experience what we are supporting. To see the guests faces and see how this machine runs. Awesome day of orientation =)

This week I also had another SAP training class and a welcome lunch (aww). At the office I ran my first report (this one on mail order merchandise) and acquired a couple others to do weekly. One is the weekly volume report (attendance etc) and one tracking how the quick service coupon promotion is going.

I also was working on pulling numbers for a deep dive analysis and my leader was really pleased with it so I got a project to take it one step further. I'm not sure how much I can say but it's a benchmarking type assignment. Next week is dealing with month end and forecasting so it'll be busy for my team! I am now finished all the online trainings as well, go me! haha it's been good at the office. I'm getting lost less and less.

From a non-work perspective, life has been busy too! I feel like I've eaten more than anything this week, enjoying second and third dinners haha. Tuesday night, Summer and I tried out the Zumba class here at the apartments and then went for a 2 mile walk. It was wonderful! We're going to train for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon. I've always wanted to do something like that, so I'm excited =)

Wednesday night was the cast preview of Captain EO, which was opening officially on Friday. So after work I met up with Summer, Corinne and Adam - enjoyed some dinner in Japan and then headed to see Michael. I did not remember it haha but it was fun! Friday we did our traditional Epcot and Magic Kingdom experiencing Space Mountain twice (woo!).

We decided to do the 4th of July Magic Kingdom fireworks on Saturday to avoid the crowd and it was just absolutely stunning. We did some attractions afterwards - Adam hasn't experienced the world, just the land so we had to introduce him to some of world's magic.

Today I am cleaning up, doing laundry and then headed to the Studios to meet up with friends for the fireworks there. I have a busy week ahead and I'm excited for it! Happy 4th of July Everyone!

First 40 Hours

Tuesday morning I arrived bright and early and started knocking out some of the online trainings set up for me. We have 45 days to complete them, but I wanted to get them done during my settle in, get used to my surroundings period. I was invited to go to lunch with some of my co-workers, so that was really nice. It was a chill day at the office, followed by an adventuresome night at the food store/cooking dinner with Brandon, who is Italian so the cooking process was ever so fun.

Wednesday I had a lot of meet and greets with the team. I think I had 5 of them, each lasting about a half hour. I learned what everyone does and some projects they want me to assist on. One team member wants me to help track how a soon to be promotion effects revenue. I'll also be helping track mail order sales.

I was pulled in on a meeting for the annual plan for the next fiscal year. I love just being a fly on the wall and seeing how all this works. Wednesday was definitely a busy but incredibly awesome day. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive.

Thursday I had an SAP training class in the morning, followed by more online training and meet and greets. Duranne took me to a couple conference rooms with products laid out in them. My building holds product development and such - the creative minds, in addition to us boring finance people. I had a meet and greet with the director - he is in charge of merchandise and sports finance. I was a little hesitant since we had to reschedule this and I couldn't really form an opinion of him in the meeting I sat in on.

He was awesome! He sat down real casually with me and expressed how much he wants me to do well. He said he could tell I was enthusiastic with that Disney pixie dust and everyone on the team wants me to succeed. I left that meeting feeling really energized.

Friday morning I had a meet and greet with my leader, Adam. I initially thought it was going to be me asking a bunch of questions on the annual plan meeting I sat in on in addition to the reports and presentations they gave me in a binder. (When I arrived, they made me a welcoming binder with lots of great info, including a list of acronyms which has been my savior lately). I came in all prepared and he says "let's take a walk, can I buy you a cup of coffee?" I graciously accepted and we headed down to the little coffee shop in our building.

We sat there and talked for an hour. Our meeting was only supposed to be a half hour, but he took time out of his morning to get to know me and give me advice for my program. I really like Adam, ever since that first phone call back in April. He told me he had an open door policy, that he would meet with me at least once a month (I meet with Duranne officially weekly, but talk with her everyday). He told me his background and asked about me and what I want to do. It was an awesome meet and greet.

It was someone's birthday in the office, so we had cake. I can never turn down cake! I continued with those online trainings, but my mind was numbing from being told how to make a slide in power point. Duranne rescued me by showing me some more of the building (including where the cappuccino machine is and more of the display rooms) and giving me a little project. I'm researching some other retailers and their trends over the years. It's exciting!

Overall, my first week was great. I have never felt so welcome and never felt so much support in an internship. Everyone wants to see me do well and is actively there coaching me. The office has the Disney magic too. Conference rooms are named after characters as well as the kitchens (I am by Gaston and Mrs. Pott's Kitchen). I am waiting for the day where I don't get lost going to the bathroom or exiting the building. I almost made it yesterday, but I went down a wrong way and ended up at the wrong exit haha.

To celebrate our first week, Summer (my roomie), Michael (my neighbor) and Samantha (Michael's friend) went to Epcot and then to Magic Kingdom since they were open until 12. It was the perfect ending to a great week.

Let me tell you about the friends I've mentioned so far in my blog. Corinne is my roommate who is in guest relations at Magic Kingdom. I met her on my college program - it was so weird being placed together! Fate maybe? Summer is my other roommate who is an education presenter at Animal Kingdom. Brandon is also in guest relations and the magical kingdom, I met him during check in. Michael is my neighbor who is also in finance - represent! haha Eric is also our neighbor who is doing marine animal programs in Epcot Samantha I just met last night but she is back doing a summer alumni program as a safari driver.

Today there is talks of Animal Kingdom to visit friends on their safari and then our weekly dinner with the neighbors. Tomorrow is laundry day in addition to an ice cream social they're holding here at the apartment complex. Monday is day 2 of orientation where we get to eat lunch with executives. I have NO idea what to ask. Hopefully it'll just be natural conversation. I have a training class next week, along with a couple meet and greets and team meetings.

I really like that I get to see what goes on behind the scenes - especially with merchandise. I experienced it first hand on my college program, and now I get to see the work put into it behind closed doors.

So far so good here in Orlando!

First Day

After my post on Saturday, I finally finished unpacking. I managed to fit my clothes and personal items in only half the drawers in case a new roomie comes in. I am very proud of myself. I ran to the outlet mall with Corinne to get her shoes since she is Guest Relations and needs a specific kind. During our outing, it started down pouring, ruining fireworks plans for later. Instead, our neighbors came over for an intense game of Disney Scene It.

Most people started work on Sunday, so I had the apartment to myself. I woke up early, went to the gym, caught up on my photo uploads and then became epically bored. As soon as I was about to get up and run to Wal Mart for odds and ends, it again started monsooning, so I popped in Sex and the City. One season and one disc later, I knew I was in bad shape. Luckily, Brandon, who I met during check-in, rescued me with a little Toy Story 2.

So today was my first official day on the job! My first day of orientation was in the morning, located backstage at Hollywood Studios. It was pretty awesome driving next to the Tower of Terror on my way into work. They had a little breakfast for us with coffee, bagels, muffins, fruit etc. The morning stated off with introductions and an ice-breaker with all the interns and the leaders/coaches. Each intern has a leader, coach and mentor. Your leader gives performance evaluations while you work with your coach day to day, and your mentor is from a different department that helps you with your professional career and such.

Throughout the morning we got an overview of the structure of finance in addition to what to expect over the internship, along with business etiquette and how to use our resources. I was really excited to hear about the program - they really take care of us, mold us I guess. They put us through a lot of training classes, including a class which we have to do a group presentation. The overview reminded me of the Finance class I took on my college program. At the end of the program we have to give a presentation on the long term project that we'll be assigned in our department.

Around noon, my coach, Duranne - who I spoke with several times and met on Friday at the Toy Story 3 party, picked me up for lunch. My leader was supposed to join us, but he was held up in a meeting. We ate at Olivia's at Old Key West, and chatted about the department. After lunch, we headed back to the Studio's and I got to sit in on one a talk. Every month this year they have a finance executive speak about a cause they believe in and then have some sort of fundraiser or volunteer event. The speaker was coming from CA, hooked up via video conference.

After the meeting, I followed Duranne back to the office which is right by Animal Kingdom. The office used to be a mall (how appropriate!). Maneuvering through is difficult - it will take me awhile to get used to the turns and such. I was introduced to some of the staff, including my leader Adam. I was led to my cube which had a nice welcome sign and Up! poster. I spent the remainder of my work day (which wasn't much) setting up my computer, and looking out my schedule - making sure I had everything in my calendar.

In addition to all the training classes, they set up meet and greets for me with each of the people in my area. I also have opportunities to do little meet and greets with managers in other finance areas to learn about what they do.

Overall, I am pleased with the program so far. They really want to develop us and that will be really beneficial for whichever career path I choose. Tomorrow I have a couple meet and greets, and then I'll probably work on some of the web based training they have set up for me. My first in class training is on Thursday, and day 2 of orientation is on Monday. During day 2 of orientation, I have lunch with executives and get to go on some attractions!

I was insanely nervous, I mean when I walked in, I felt completely out of place. I started wondering if this is really for me. But then during orientation, I heard the words I needed to hear. I was told that I'm never going to find that class that tells me how to do my job, that they're not expecting me to know what to do right off the bat. They'll show us, train us.

This is going to be a really good test if finance is the route for me. If it's not, then who knows!!

It's only the beginning =)

The Trip/Beginning

I'm trying to update this as much as I can haha and I'm already behind.

Let's see. Packing took epically long, I was still not done Friday night which was my going away party. That was a lot of fun, one last hoorah with my MD buddies. Saturday I packed and then went to the baseball game with my mom. Sunday morning Katie and I hit the road!

We drove down to Savannah, got a hotel and then immediately got dinner and went on a ghost tour. It was of the Sorrell Weed/Carriage House which was featured on Ghost Hunters. The guide took us around Savannah a bit and then to the house. I had forgotten the episode but they gave us a little recap. All the paranormal occurrences were not that positive, so I felt the tour was disrespectful. All the recordings that had were the spirits telling us to get out. I felt so bad!

The next morning we headed back to the historic district for a tour of SCAD after which we walked around the town. I wish we had more time there, I wanted to see more. It is a beautiful town and pretty interesting!

We hit the road to FL and arrived around 5pm, checked into our hotel and then headed to my former home of Downtown Disney. I ran into an old co-worker so that was lovely! We shopped and ate then headed back to the hotel for some exploring and pool time.

Next morning we had an amazing character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, where I fell in love with Tigger. We were the last breakfast shift so we could relax a lot more, we were one of the lasts to leave. Normally I feel rushed but this time we stayed for over an hour haha.

We spent the day in Magic Kingdom. The day started off pretty awesome with the people mover. As we went through Space Mountain, the lights were on! AH! So cool. We did a lot of the indoor attractions including the Laugh Factory, which my joke made it into! Thanks Jason for your "dad" joke! =)

That evening we were apart of the Fireworks Dessert Party. Prime seating for the fireworks in addition to a dessert buffet. YES PLEASE. I will not lie, I freaked out when I saw our table was the best seat in the house. And I may or may not have cried during the fireworks....

The Electric Light Parade was classic as usual and we sat by some really nice people, one of which handed out lollipops!! The next morning I had some business in casting to take care of, but after that we headed to Hollywood Studios so check out the re-imagined Tower of Terror. Nothing TOO major, but it was still lovely.

Wednesday was insanely hot so we had to take a lot of breaks. One of which was waiting to see Lotso from Toy Story 3. We got in line a 1/2 hour early, making me the first in line. I was sooooo excited!! It was worth the wait. He was so soft and plushy and so huggable =P

We headed to Epcot after riding Tower one last time. We of course paid Figment a visit and walked around the world. Katie's flight was that night so we headed back to pack up.

Thursday morning I got up bright and early to move into my new apartment. I was in line around some cool people which helped ease the stressful transition. They had pre-placed us so we couldn't make any requests, but I ended up in a 2 bedroom as I wanted. AND I ended up with a friend of mine from the college program! How weird!?

After finally getting my stuff to my room, I had to head back to casting for more check in. While in line I met my old recruiter from my campus rep days. I harassed him through email a lot haha. It was really great to meet him in person!

Check in was quick and easy since I was still active in the system and had gotten my fingerprints done the previous day. There was a little finance meeting which I ended up staying at for a couple hours, talking with my fellow interns - one of which, Michael, is my neighbor!

I started the unpacking process and soon found out my bedroomie had to leave because some of her paperwork would not come in until next month. I was so sad!! Carol seemed really great. At least she will be allowed to do the program next session. See you then Carol =)

That night, my roomies (Corinne and Summer)and I went to dinner and got a couple items at the food store. It was a nice bonding adventure. I don't know how I lucked out AGAIN with roomies. The apartment is really nice, pictures will come soon. After everything is unpacked hahaha

The next morning I got up bright and early to go to a Finance Premiere Party for Toy Story 3! Coolest first day of work EVER. I met my coach and a few member of my team. Everyone seems really nice. Of course it was a little awkward since I was the only intern so I was totally out of place, but that;s the typical transition into a new environment. The party had a breakfast for us, raffles and trivia. It was really nice, and the movie was amazing.

After my morning of "work" I headed back to the apartment to change, had lunch, a quick nap and then back out to get my new ID. After my adventure I had to go to the housing meeting (woo....).

Then we all went to Wal Mart to get food and supplies to cook dinner. Michael made us dinner for helping him with his stuff during move in. He made a fabulous vegetable lasagna and we brought the sides: salad, garlic bread and ice cream. It was a lot of fun bonding with our neighbors, we're hoping to do it weekly.

Today is my day to catch up (ie this post) and finish unpacking. I officially start Monday, so I have a couple days to relax and get ready. Orientation is Monday morning and then I go to lunch with my coach/leader and then head to where I will be working.

I am insanely nervous since I don't know EXACTLY what I'm doing, but it will be an adventure and a good test to see what I want to do in life.

AH!

I feel like I JUST posted in this - time has flown! I hit the road in 6 days! I am no where near packed - I'm still in the organizing my disaster of a room phase. It'll get done, though I realized all the errands I have to run now.

They changed my apartment complex, but it is a hop skip and a jump away from where I was previously living, and thus a hop skip and a jump away from my old CP friends =). The place seems really nice!! I get my own washer and dryer - yay no more paying for laundry!!

I got a call from my coach again and she is trying to go through the procedures so that I can attend a premiere party with Merchandise Finance for Toy Story 3 - SO COOL!! I'm starting to get insanely excited, though nerves are still there.

I decided if I end up hating this, I'm just going to start heavily training for the Festival of the Lion King show.

Aaaahhh savenya....

3 Weeks to Go

I changed my blog to be more generic, rather than a vacation-travel blog, it's my travels through life. Life is a big adventure and I have a lot to see and experience!

On Monday, I officially commenced my undergraduate career. I graduated with a BA in Mathematics and a Certificate in Accounting. It was bittersweet - it was great to graduate and finally be done haha but it was also sad because I knew this was the last time I'd see some people.

The past month has been pretty crazy with me leaving my internship in the Office of Audit, and then finishing up schools. I was picked to be featured on the school's Class of 2010 website which led to me being interviewed for a story in the Washington Post. It's nice to be recognized!

I spent the last couple days trying to recover from finals - I was lucky enough to get sick during finals week. The constant studying and poor sleeping/eating habits prolonged this illness, but I'm starting to feel better minus a few sniffles and coughs here and there.

Since my last post, I found out I have been placed in Merchandise Finance and I could not be more excited! I love merchandise haha so I think this is a good fit. My manager and my coach have both called me, welcoming me and giving me a little bit of information and being completely open to questions, concerns etc. This is why I love Disney - they are willing to help you even when you are not a guest!

My sister and I will be heading down June 13th, arriving in FL the 14th and playing around the Orlando area for a couple days. Summer Nightastic is going on and you can meet Lottsa from Toy Story 3 - I wanted to make sure I get this in before work starts!

I'm excited and nervous. It's a 6 month long job interview, so that is no pressure at all haha but I am excited to experience this and see if this is the right path for me.

Another Disney Adventure

So! March 2, I officially applied for two Disney Professional Internships: Finance/Accounting and Pricing. I had my initial screening interview, then soon had a transcript request from F/A and then an interview request from F/A. Then an interview request from Pricing. Yesterday, as I'm in class, my phone rings. A wonderfully nice lady named Katherine left me a message informing me this was the final step of the application process. I called her back, left a message and anxiously awaited for her to call me back. An hour later, while I'm driving on the highway. I decided to be an unsafe driver and answer.

After a few questions like if I can provide my own transportation and such, she said I have been offered one of the Finance/Accounting positions! After discussing with her, finding out that if Pricing decided to also give me an offer, I could choose between the two with no hard feelings, I accepted my offer and almost started crying from excitement. I had time for two phone calls and a couple texts, and then I had to go to work. On my break I sent a mass text to inform everyone of my good news. If you texted me back and I didn't respond - I'm sorry! I had a short break!!

I accepted my offer and finally got in my housing deposit this morning after battling my computer. I'll be in Disney housing again - hopefully less rules under the PI, but we shall see!

So I start my Disney PI June 17 and will be there until January 7. I'm going to try and do a better job of updating this.

A Year Later

I had my Disney anniversary last week which led to a lot of reflection. I thought about how much I have grown up and matured over the past 365 days, and a lot of it is thanks to my experience on the Disney College Program. I had to survive on my own hundreds of miles away from home, kinda have to grow up then. I learned how to be more open and work well in a team. Most of all I learned to stop being so scared.

I feared growing up, in fact, I was angry when I turned 20. I wasn't a teenager anymore, I had to start taking some responsibility in my life. I didn't want to graduate - I had no idea what I was going to do without the set plan of academia. I still don't know exactly what I'll do, but I'm ready for the real world.

Disney Professional Internship applications go up soon. Hopefully I'll have another to update my blog on =)