I get it. Yes, you’re tired, you are overworked, drained by the fact that if you have to tell one more tour group to please move all the way down— you might lose it. Don’t even get me started about the magical feeling of getting out of work before the sun goes down, only to be crushed by the fact that Transtar won’t get you home for another two hours. As you sit at Vista Way while the bus driver takes his break, so close— but so far away from Patterson. Suddenly, clouds of darkness spool over your world as the sky lets out angry BOOM. The torrential droplets of dreams splatter to the weathered pavement, just as the bus approaches your stop. You muddle to your door, whip your non-slip shoes and ring out your soaking wet oversized costume. In that moment, your dreams start to feel like a nightmare. But friend, I promise you— “you are more than what you’ve become.”

Sometimes, as hard as we try not to, we lose sight of our purpose. We forget just how much the Disney College Program means to us. Yeah, it is hard— but take a step back for a second. You work for the number one entertainment company in the world. Thousands upon thousands of applicants wish on every star for your place in this company. You got it, Disney saw something in you that they didn’t see in anyone else. No matter what your role is, you made it. Think about your Traditions class and just how much magic this place has the ability to bring to friends and families. Those angry guests, they spend their life's savings to take their children here. Some only have the opportunity to walk down the streets that you casually stroll down every day once in their lifetime.

You are special. This life that you are living needs to be cherished. The Walt Disney Company is filled with so many doors just waiting for you to open, all you have to do is push.

Take advantage of your free park access. Get your roommates together and go have fun, even if you have to drag their grumpy butts away from their laptops. Make time for that because it’s important. Embrace every moment of free time because it’s not something that should be wasted here. Yes, take the time to relax— but, when else are you going to have the ability to spend your afternoon hanging out in the Magic Kingdom? Even if you have to go alone. Even if it's your second program, be honest, part of you came back to have fun. Get out of bed and enjoy yourself. If you have a few hours to play before work, don't be afraid to go. We are on limited seconds here, you did not come here to waste them.

Talk to people, make connections. If you want to continue your career with The Walt Disney Company— network. Don’t hesitate to talk to the people who wear the shoes you’ve been dreaming of sporting. You never know where your small talk could lead you.

Most importantly, make magic. If you are custodial, quick service, merchandise or whatever— you have the ability to make someone's vacation. People travel to Walt Disney World from all over the world. You don’t know their backstory, but more than likely they are here for a reason. Yes, they might be frustrated when things don’t go their way, but don’t let that bother you. It’s hot and they spend well over $2,000 to ride Flight of Passage, only to find out they have to wait 130 minutes to get on it. When they come over to you at the fast pass kiosk, just as they’re about to break down, be the better change. You have the power to completely alter their attitude. Be kind, courteous and breathe. You are here for a reason. Inside of you is a heart that believes in happiness. Go the extra mile, I promise you the outcome will be worth it.

Here at Walt Disney World, we create happiness. The other day, all I did was sing happy birthday to a little boy as he walked by me as I loaded him and his family into the theater I work at. I talked to him about his day and asked him how his brother turned into a toy lizard that was now sitting in his seat. It was a long day, and everyone around me seemed to be miserable. But, at the end of the show— that little boy ran up to be and gave me the biggest hug. The parents were teary and thanked me for making a difference. It was a small gesture, but it sparked a change. You forget that these people all came from somewhere. They have lives of their own and they entered ours to escape. They came here to feel something.

Find the things you love about this place and run with it. Go ahead and take your love for this company and immerse yourself in it. Tell guests and the people around just exactly why it’s so special to you. I know it gets hard, but feel things. Allow yourself to fall in love with this magical world we live in. Every day is a once and a lifetime opportunity, engulf yourself in all of it.