It's the final countdown!

Can you believe these numbers? I definitely have a hard time wrapping my head around them.

Twenty-five. Twenty-five days left of school. That's less than a month. And it is counting every day, not just class days. I'm pretty sure I could count the days of class I have left with my fingers and maybe a few toes.

And when I say, "days left of school." I don't mean until Christmas vacation. I mean these are my last twenty-five days as a student. I can't believe it. Before you ask any questions let me answer them. No, I did not think the day would come. No, I did not think it would come this fast (even though I was convinced it would take forever). And yes, I am ready!

I am ready to start a new chapter. Homework is draining, I will probably miss that the least. What I will miss the most are the people, I already do. Graduating in December when a majority of my class graduated in May makes it hard to come to school. I had great classmates who made coming to school so much fun. I miss them and I can't wait to meet up with them over the break before...

I go to Disney World! Wahoo!

Fifty-six days until I am on a plane, to Orlando, to live my dream of working for Disney. When I first started cooking up this dream, I was thinking more along the lines of graphic design and advertising. Something that relates to what I have studied the last four and a half years. It was a hard for me to think about graduating and going to work at the parks. But when I really stopped and looked at the big picture, how could I pass up an opportunity like this? I couldn't! It's Disney! I would hit myself everyday if I didn't go for it. I have the rest of my life to work with the degrees I graduated with. But first, I'm going to the happiest place on earth to work, play, and make more friends!

Just a Small Town Girl...

OK, for some, you wouldn't consider where I am from a small town. In fact, Sioux Falls is the most populated city in the state of South Dakota with a population of 164,676. However, being from the midwest and moving to Florida, I feel like a small town girl going to new world.

And I'm not living in a lonely world. I have been blessed with family, friends and coworkers that brighten my day. I have grown up with faith and continue to live with it today. The bottom line is, I know I have support no matter what.

Last, I most definitely will not be taking a midnight train going anywhere. I will actually be taking a plane, during the day, to Florida.

Why do I keep quoting the lyrics from Journey's song, "Don't Stop Beleivin?" No, it is not just because I was a fan of the hit TV show Glee for a few years (I lost interest the season before Corey Monteith passed away), but because the message of the refrain is so powerful.

Don't stop believing in yourself, and in your dreams. I have had my ups and downs. But with the love and support of those family and friends I mentioned earlier along with a few encounters with strangers, who I believe were placed in my path by God, I went after my dream. Now I am thrilled to declare my dream will come true in January. I will be going to Orlando to participate in the Spring 2015 Disney College Program!

Who knows where I will go after this program, but I do know that I am thrilled to share my experiences with you through this blog.

Sources: http://www.southdakota-demographics.com/cities_by_population

What's your favorite...

Disney Short?

Can I ever pick just one? Uh no, of course not. That is what is so wonderful about Disney. Their are so many productions, characters, songs, movies that I can't just pick one of anything. Plus, I'm an indecisive person. Below are my top two favorite shorts.

Before I go on a rant about my favorites and explain why, I want to share why I love these kinds of productions in general. Most shorts don't have any dialogue. It is mostly music with sound effects whether its a reaction from the character, the weather, or objects moving around them. It is incredible how you can create a story without any words. I know that love doesn't work this way because communication is key ;) But artistically, it is so much fun to watch.

Paperman

I have to admit, I am a bit of a hopeless romantic. You can understand why I instantly fell in love with this one. The idea of two people meeting because of fate tickles my insides and warms my heart until I have a smile that is spread from ear to ear.

Not to mention the color scheme is brilliant. The grayscale with a touch of red popping throughout, specifically her lips, is brilliant.

The Hardest Part

Well, here I am sitting in the Sioux Falls airport waiting for my flight. I have gone through security and said see ya later to my loved ones. Yes tears were shed. But I'm an emotional person so I knew it would happen. 

As I sit here I got to thinking about all the things I'd miss and what the hardest part of leaving home will be.

1. I will miss being able to drive my car where I want when I want. We might take this for granted. I know I have now that I know I'll have to rely on public transportation for the most part.

2. My possessions! This sounds so selfish and greedy I know. But to limit myself for four months was challenging. I can see myself wanting that bracelet or those shoes or that shirt and coming to the realization that it is at home. It might be a humbling experience actually.

3. My dog. I might have shed a few tears saying see you later to her too. But think about it... You can't text your dog! Or follow them on facebook. Technology makes that easier with distance for family and friends. 

4. The hardest part about leaving home. Missing my family and friends. Yes it's a short period. Yes their is internet and phones. But I cherish the little things. The moments that can't be planned or expected. Along with big occasions like a dear friends sons birthday. He will be walking when I get back! And he can barely crawl now. Her kids are adorable. And I'm going to miss her. My friends from school. My brother and sister. My mom and dad.

I'm sure I will find more things I miss. But it helps you grow. And those family and friends will always be there when I get back. Technology makes things easier. And most of all, what brings me the most comfort... That I'm living out my dream of working for Disney. And that all those people are so proud and excited for me.

Overwhelmed Olli

I am not going to lie, I am stressed to the max right now. Here is a summarized list of the major events I am juggling at this time.

• Finishing my last semester of school (with a severe case of senioritis.)
• Packing up my apartment and trying to fit it into my bedroom at home
• Preparing for the FOCUS trip to Tennessee
• Getting in 20 hours of work each week
• Freelance Projects 
• Preparing for the Disney College Program
• And trying to maintain a social life (with friends in Brookings and Sioux Falls) 

I am probably forgetting something. But I'm sure you can imagine just how many sub points each of those comes with, especially the Disney College Program