Walter Elias Disney,

Growing up, I always felt a little out of place. I never felt like I truly belonged. Friends would fade in and out of my life as quickly as the seasons changed. Throughout everything, I had a place where I truly felt at ease. A place where I could “leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.” This place was your Magic Kingdom.

The transition to college was hard for me. I discovered how debilitating generalized anxiety disorder could be. I was wasting my days, sleeping as much as I could and hiding in my own little sanctuary. I saw friends on social media having what looked like the time of their lives. I would constantly question when that time would come for me. One day, after deciding I needed to make a change, I applied to the Disney College Program. When I got accepted, I cried. I was finally going to live in the place that has always felt like home. Little did I know how much this experience would impact my life.

Moving from Alpharetta, GA to Orlando, FL was scary. As someone with anxiety, I would never go more than a few weeks without a visit home. With this move, I knew I wouldn’t be able to visit home very often. Once I was settled in Orlando, I noticed myself start to change. I was no longer living a life full of worry and fear. I was living a life full of happiness and magic. My co-workers not only became my friends, they became my family. I was good at my job. I was recognized. I felt important. I felt needed.

I learned that you don’t have to be blood to be family. Working at the busiest theme park in the world is hard. There are good days and there are bad days. The hours are long and some days are exhausting. I spent all my time with my co-workers. They got to know me better than I know myself. They are people I hope to be friends with for the rest of my life.

That year I lived in Orlando, my life changed drastically. I faced countless uncomfortable situations that forced me to come out of my shell. My leaders, who became my friends, pushed me to limits I didn’t know existed. They saw the potential in me that I couldn’t. Not only did I learn to fly, I learned to soar. I learned to love myself.

I want to thank you, Mr. Disney. I want to thank you for all the times you failed but didn’t give up. I want to thank you for teaching me how to dream. Most of all, I want to thank you for creating that little mouse back in 1928. You have changed my life more than you will ever know.

Your Biggest Fan,

Ally