Meeting Mickey never gets old

The beginning of my sophomore year was a major switch for me. I packed my bags and flew down to Orlando, Florida, for the Disney College Program! So, you might be thinking ... What made you want to go there when the previous year was pretty tough? Trust me, the decision wasn’t the easiest but something in me knew I needed to go down there for a difference

I first heard about the Disney College Program my sophomore year of high school after our family vacation there. My dad encouraged me after getting advertisements on his laptop. He told me it was an opportunity I should consider once I got into college.

An opportunity to work for the parks and go to the parks for free? Who would say no to that? When I finished my first semester my dad mentioned it to me once again. I thought, “You know what, I want to go.” My first semester was rough, and I definitely was not at my peak happiness. My parents encouraged me to sign up. If I got denied at least I applied and maybe I would try again later in my college career.

To apply to the program, the applicant must have at least one semester of college under their belt. Luckily for me, I finished my first year of college when I decided to apply. The process was surprisingly quick. Within one week I got the “You’ve been Accepted Email” that truly changed my life.

I started tearing up.

So many thoughts went through my head. I called my dad and told him immediately after I opened the email. I’ll never forget that look of shock he had because of the quick response I received just days after applying. I was set to go down for the fall semester of 2022, which I chose particularly because of the Halloween and Christmas decorations. Those holidays are notorious for having some of the best holiday decorations and character celebrations in the world.

Fast Forward to that fall. I was off to Disney, just turned 19, and ready to begin this life-changing journey. It changed my life. I was given the job of hostess at Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios. I’m not going to lie. The job wasn’t the most glamorous, especially on those 90-degree days. I definitely didn’t feel like a princess most days.

But there were so many aspects of this job I wouldn’t change. I met the most amazing people from across the country. My best friend from the program was from Missouri. Sydney and I were inseparable at work, and it wasn’t the same when we had different shifts or different days off. She was someone who could make me laugh when I wasn’t having a great day. We loved the same movies, music, and hobbies, so we could just go on and on and would never get tired of hanging out. After work, we would drive home jamming to Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and even Disney Channel music. She gave me some advice that I took back with me to Bloomsburg. 

“Don’t be scared to chase your dreams, trust your gut, and take those opportunities. Your future self will thank you." 

My coworkers at my job were honestly among the nicest people I’ve met and they taught me so much and were proud I decided to join the program at the time I did. I knew I made the right decision when I met them.

On the days I wasn’t at work you could probably find me lounging by the pool, shopping at Disney Springs, and OF COURSE the parks. I can’t tell you the amount of times I went on Guardians of the Galaxy. Yes, that’s the best ride hands down. Don't get me started on the Dole Whip, a top-notch Disney dessert. Meeting Mickey never gets old either!

This trip wasn’t just a fun excursion I wanted to embark on, but it really shaped me into the person I am today. I learned to be more independent and self-reliant. My parents weren’t there to hold my hand and tell me the right thing to do. I needed to do it for myself. 

I learned self-sufficiency by aiming to obtain basic necessities like making my own food, cleaning my space, and sticking to a schedule. There were days I wanted to book a flight and come back home, but I knew that meant giving up. That wasn’t me. Whenever I put my mind to something, I do it even if it's hard. So, I picked up my chin and continued following my dreams. I put on that smile and gave it my all at work, with my amazing new friends, and taking care of myself when I was there.

The Disney College Program was one of the best experiences of my life. I made so many incredible memories, lessons, and friends that have truly changed my life for the best. I couldn’t imagine my life without doing this program and pursuing this dream.

I knew that I needed to Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg and look at the college experience in a different light. Freshman year I was so scared and anxious about being away from home. Once I returned, I was more confident in myself, put myself out there to make more friends, and joined the clubs I was scared of joining. So, if you’re thinking about doing the Disney College Program, do it. Have an open mind. If you don’t like your job, just give it a chance. See the good and magic in the small and mundane things. Before going I was scared, nervous, and unsure it was the right decision for me. After coming back, I was so grateful for the opportunity to learn more about who I am.

— Mia Shrawder, a senior communication studies major at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg with an emphasis on leadership and public advocacy, is interning with the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications this spring. She is a native of Mechanicsburg who likes to run, dance, do pilates, cook and bake healthy recipes, read, watch Gilmore Girls, and watch soccer with her father.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife