During my Disney College Program, I learned what it means to be a “magic maker”. At Disney, cast members are trained to provide the best experience possible for guests. Whether that means going the extra mile or brightening someone’s day with a smile, Disney’s cast members are the reason the magic exists and a big part of why guests return to the parks day after day. It goes beyond the standards of good customer service. At Disney, we’re all family, united by our love of stories, happy endings, and child-like joy. As a character performer, I had the privilege of working alongside some of Disney’s most well-loved characters like Chip and Dale.

I’m grateful for the time I had working the streets of Walt Disney World and all it taught me. I think performing in this place reminded me what it’s like to be me. All of me. Every silly, goofy, crazy side of me. There were days when it was really hard and I felt so ready to be done. But there were also days when I smiled to myself as a little kid hugged my legs or an adult gave me an extra long hug I could tell they really needed. There were days when I heard heart-wrenching stories of children passing away, parents battling cancer, or little kids in Make-A-Wish T-shirts likely fighting a terminal illness. But there were also days when I jumped with guests, celebrated graduations, 50 years of marriage, defeating cancer, running marathons, and recent engagements. This job was one in a million. My heart was warmed in so many ways and I hope the guests I interacted with felt the same. 

Here’s to magic made, and being a magic maker for life. My story doesn’t end here. I feel this is only the beginning. So while my eyes well with tears as I type this out, I remind myself that with each closing of a chapter, there is a start to a new one. Thank you, Jesus, in every way for this experience of a lifetime. You truly did something remarkable in me these last 6 months. I will be forever grateful.