For as long as I can possibly remember, I have been obsessed with a company who continues to create magic for anyone who comes across them. Whether it’s watching a classic movie, visiting the world-class theme parks, or just seeing a commercial, I can’t help but get excited about… which company? Oh that’s right, DISNEY! For those who don’t know me, I’m a tad obsessed, and by tad, I mean absolutely, 100% obsessed with Disney. Disney has so much to change my life, and as I’ve gotten older, I can see even more ways that my life has been impacted because of the coolest mouse in the world!

So how can Disney possibly change a life in so many ways? Well, let me fill you in.

Disney has changed my life because of the memories that have come as a result of visiting such a fun place. Growing up, my family vacationed at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida multiple times, and each time was better than the previous. I can’t remember a time where we left without a story, memory, or magical moment, and we always grew closer as a family during those week-long vacations.

Disney has changed my life because of the inspiration provided by the many characters. Looking up to Cinderella, Aurora, and Belle made me understand how powerful kindness is. Watching Buzz Lightyear and Woody go from being enemies to friends helped me to gain the idea of friendship. Experiencing Simba stand up to Scar in the Lion King taught me the importance of courage. And watching Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto made me realize that everyone has something to contribute to a group or event. Without these characters impacting my life as a young child, learning these life skills wouldn’t have been as much fun.

Disney has changed my life because of the friendships I have gained. After completing my College Program in the Spring of 2016, I realized that my life had been changed for the better. Not because I worked for such a powerful company (which definitely helped to change my life), but because I had gained friends from so many different areas of both the United States and the world. The 5 girls who I lived with at Vista Way became a family away from home. My coworkers were so much more than that—they were my sanity while dealing with some crazy guest situations. And the people who I trained for my role with became my best friends. I am so beyond thankful for Disney changing my life in this way, because I can’t imagine my life without y’all.

Finally, Disney has changed my life because of the experience that I have gained from working for such a powerful company. How lucky am I that I was able to move from the Midwest to Florida and spend all of my time for 4 months at Disney? I gained insights on how to best communicate with people from completely different walks of life. I learned how to get around in a place that is very different than where I am from. And I figured out how to work with guests of all kinds. These are experiences that I never imagined, but am so thankful for. Working for Disney has made me a better person because of the real-world experiences gained from working in such a unique place.

I wonder what my life would have been like if my parents wouldn’t have introduced me to Disney. Would I love this company as much as I do? Would I have known about and completed a College Program? And would I have as many magical memories as I do now? Who knows? All I know is that I am extremely thankful for Disney and all they have done to change not only my life, but lives for people around the globe.