On my first program in Spring 2019, I was a freshman in college, not even 19 years old. I did not have experience living far from home and was adjusting living from at home with my parents to being in a completely different state 15 hours away. I worked in Animal Kingdom Park in Dinoland as a “merchantainer.” When I met the people that became my friends, everything clicked. I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. One of my best friends from the college program was from Australia. He arrived the same time I did in January, but worked for Disney until December 2019. One of my favorite memories with him was when we went to Magic Kingdom after work one day and we stayed as late as we possibly could have. I worked 6pm and went immediately to Magic Kingdom. Regardless of Working the next day and the rainy weather, we stayed until past 1am taking pictures on empty main street. This is still one of the most cherished and fun memories I have from this college program.

My most recent program took place from September 2021 to February 2022.  I did this program as a senior in college with much more experience being away from home. I was more adjusted to adult life and having my own responsibilities. I worked at the Animal Kingdom Resort as custodial. This program I lived in the new college program housing and everything was much more updated than the housing I stayed in in 2019. My favorite memory from this program was going to Epcot with my friends and coordinator during the Festival of Holidays. My friends and I bought matching tiaras that we wore for the rest of the night. We had a character fun character interaction with Winnie the Pooh as well! The desserts from around the world were the highlight of the night.

The friends I have made from these two programs are some of the closest people to this day and I could not imagine my life without them. This program gave me so many opportunities, but also gave me friendships that will last a lifetime.