I know my journals are realy horribly spaced apart but we all know my free time here is very limited between work, laundry, cooking, and the weekly 3 hour process to go food shopping.
So far I have received one reprimand. It definitely feels horrible to have to sign that paper but I don’t regret it because this experience as a whole is a learning experience. I am lucky enough to not have the desire to extend or apply for any further Disney internship. As much as I don’t regret coming here, it is definitely not what it appears on paper. My experience here has been eye opening and useful, but the fact that we are treated like dirt is morally discouraging. Not even speaking as a CP, but more of as a cast member. Disney will always have guests as their #1 absolute priority, and as a cast member you often feel like you’re always doing for the guest, but management is never doing for you. I clock in early every day by 15 minutes, and the 2 days I am late this month by 2 minutes, I receive 2 points. Things just don’t equate to me, I don’t know if its because I am not used to this system, or if its because this system is flawed and bound for CP failure.
Its obvious I am feeling a bit homesick as I write this. I cannot wait for the temperature to go down and for it to stop being scorching hot daily.
As far as work, with fellow cast members and guests. I love it, I love making someones day. I love being able to leave all my personal baggage at the door when I walk on stage, and I love making kids smile. Its a side of me I have never seen, and if you know me from school, I am kinda sassy…to say the least. This experience has opened my eyes not about work, school, or housing….but people. It shows you how to deal with people of EVERY race, color, creed, belief, etc, etc, etc, etc. Disney has cast members and guests of every kind. This is something I cannot wait to use back in Queens. This skill of being able to please a person of a completely different language and nation will benefit me in the long run.
Growth during a persons college years is not relegated to academics alone. Life during one’s college years can be challenging and should stretch the student to their limits. This is a time of developing your understanding of the various subject matters you will address but also to learn how to handle challenges and how to overcome failure. Challenge is just a part of growth, without it noting can be accomplished.
Stay focused on your goals. Discuss the standards that Disney practices with your leaders and teachers to learn why the exist. Consider the aspects of Disney’s policies you do not like and think about why they exist. For instance, arriving late to work has many implications, what are they? What other policies do you not agree with? What are the implications of these policies?