I was recently accepted to the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World, Florida. Participating in the program has been my dream since freshman year, and as I approach graduation this year, I could not be more excited. One of my dreams is to work for Disney, and I know that career has a great beginning through the Disney College Program. Now, we all have a dream, whatever it may be. I don’t know who is reading this, however, I do know that your dream most likely doesn’t involve sitting at a desk from 9am-5pm for a 40 hour work week (just a guess). That being said, how, may you ask, can you actually live your dream? Well, lucky for you, below are 3 tips from a fellow dreamer:
- Take Advice From Others With a Grain of Salt
-
I saw a great quote on Pinterest once that said “Don’t ask directions from someone who hasn’t been where you want to go.” What this means to me is you can certainly ask advice from parents, siblings, friends, significant others, professors, or what have you, but to be cautious. Not everyone you ask for advice about your dreams is going to tell you what you want to hear. Heck, most likely they are going to tell you the exact opposite. Do you know how many times I have had to play up the Disney College Program to folks who have asked me what my plans are for graduation? Take it from someone who has asked every single advisor, professor, or person for that matter for advice on what I should do regarding a future profession. Looking back, it honestly makes me dizzy how many people I asked and resources I used to figure out what the heck I wanted to do with my life. There is such a thing as information overload, and the subject of the rest of your life is very sensitive. I urge you to be aware of who you let in on your quest to live your dream. At the end of the day, it’s easier said than done, but you must do what is best for you.
- You Are the One Who Has to Live With Your Choices
-
Personally, I believe that the most important thing to remember is that YOU are the one who has to live with the career path you choose. Not your parents who tell you that you should apply for XYZ company because they said so. After working in corporate America for the first time last year, I can assure you that it quite simply “Was Not It,” as the kids say. I could write an entire paper on that experience, but I will keep it short here. For me, I have not been able to imagine myself at a company just because they pay well or there is a guarantee for me to move up. Author Jojo Moyes of Me Before You says “You only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”
- Just Do It!
-
As our boy Shia LaBeouf says, JUST DO IT. Submit the application, be patient, and never lose hope. I had to wait until the second semester of my senior year to apply for the Disney College Program. I have never wanted anything more in my life, and actually held onto my plush Minnie Mouse and Pascal (chameleon, often confused with a frog, from Tangled) my entire phone interview. Just because you have to wait to legitly start your dream doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Over the past 4 years, I have been researching and connecting with program alumni. I also stayed in contact with a cast member I interviewed for a school project, and have updated them on my work experience and internships. I have been planning for my dream, and have now been able to take the first step towards living it.
I would like to point out, however, that it is much easier for me to write this knowing I have a spot in the program opposed to not being accepted, or still not knowing. I think the worst outcome ever though is regretting not applying or interviewing, or simply not taking action to live your dream. One thing that I can guarantee is that your dream will never be handed to you. If Disney has taught me anything, it is that you are the master of your own destiny. Walt Disney once said “All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Be brave and go live your dream.