A dream and a suitcase.

The day is finally here! In just a few short hours I will be packing my things into the back of a car and driving down to Florida to begin my Disney College Program. I'm so excited for all of the new things I'm going to experience and for the lifelong friends I'm going to make, but most of all, I'm excited about how I expect to grow as a person.

So far things have worked out in my favor and I'm going to take that as a good omen. My roommates and I have bonded really well since contacting each other, I'm excited about my role, and I got into the program I wanted most. Everything is seemingly falling into place and it makes me feel so blessed because I know how many people want to be where I am right now.

Nevertheless, I'm still very apprehensive about moving to another state by myself. As cliché as it sounds, I find myself comparing my situation to Rapunzel's. She dreamed about leaving her tower and when she finally got the opportunity, she hesidtated but went for it because she knew she had to. I feel as though I'm at that point in my life. I'm scared to death to leave my family and the only place I've ever known, but I know that this is something I desperately need to do. And just like Rapunzel was afraid that seeing the lanterns wouldn't live up to her expectations, I'm also worried that the program won't be everything I hoped it would be. Although I've been dreaming of doing this program for a very long time, it's be scary to finally face my dream.

Despite my doubts and fears, I know that everything will work itself out. I have a great support system, especially at home. I can't thank my family enough for the emotional, financial, and tangible support that they have given me thus far. I really hope I have effectively conveyed my gratitude to them. I also know that there are thousands of other people who feel similarly to me about doing the program. They're just as anxious about leaving home and supporting themselves, so I find a little comfort in that. I just have to learn to be brave and adjust to the changes.

It feels strange to be at this point in my life. It's surreal that in just a few hours I will say goodbye to all of the normalcy in my life, drive down to Orlando with my parents, and begin the adventure of a lifetime. I can finally stop reading about the things that happen during the Disney College Program and start experiencing them for myself.

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney