It feels weird to call this “day 3” since I’ve been here for 5 weeks now.  I might have to tweak that a bit. 

Monday was my day off. I can’t stress enough how relaxing it is to know after a tiring 8-hour shift, you have the next day off. I know (almost) every person feels this way, but it’s a little different when it comes to working in the entertainment industry.

The previous day I saw an old friend from my previous program by the lockers. I was working in the back that day, so we wouldn’t cross paths on stage (Disney lingo for any place that a Guest can see us), but I stopped to say hi. She had just won a raffle from her recognition in doing a great job at work, so she was putting the Starbucks gift card away. I congratulated her and was about to return to my position when she asked what I was doing the next day. I told her it was my first day of classes at the College Program, but I’d be free after 1:30. She then invited me to go to the parks with her and other mutual friends. I was so excited that I immediately said yes. I hadn’t seen these friends in over a year, and going to the parks on your days off is essentially the thing to do on this program.

On Monday, I had my first day of class, called Marketing You. It’s a class where you learn to market yourself in the professional world, specifically centered around Disney and their many career opportunities. I took it to improve my networking skills and resume. It was only the first day, filled with introductions and a class overview, so there isn’t much to report there. Afterwards, we were encouraged (with extra credit!) to attend the Disney Aspire Expo at the Disneyland Hotel. The fact that I can finish my class at the Team Disney building and travel to the Disneyland Hotel in under 10 minutes is amazing. I love how quick and easy it is to travel on Disney property.

The Disney Aspire program is a new program Disney established that encourages hourly Cast Members to further their educational goals and skills by covering full tuition for bachelors, masters, GED, and certificate programs. It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m already so proud of my friends for signing up and returning to school next year. Once at the expo, we were given cool backpacks that are really great quality. Another one to add to my collection (I have 4 already, but they all serve a different, important purpose).

I also saw Mickey in a cute graduation outfit. I complimented him on his outfit, saying he did not have to go all out of us (but he did, just for us) and he was so flattered that he could not stop interacting with me. Cameras couldn’t capture it, but he kept making a heart using his hands and pointing at me. It was one of the best interactions with Mickey I’ve ever had.

After resting a bit and changing into casual clothes, I returned to the parks and met up with my friends at DCA. It was so great seeing them after a year and still being able to make jokes and laugh like I never left.

We saw the new Disney Pixar Coco show, , which was incredibly cute and heartwarming. It didn’t hit me until halfway through the show, when I realized wait, they’re dancing baile folklórico AT A DISNEY THEME PARK! While I have not done the dance myself, I remember my mom telling me she’s done baile folklórico with her sisters and family. To finally see our culture being portrayed in a positive light to such a diverse audience is awe-inspiring. (Side note: I wonder, do Guests see this show/Mexican culture as foreign or outlandish? This is a norm for me, as I see it at parties and family gatherings all the time)

After leaving Disney, I visited my friend’s house a short 15 minute drive away (just putting it out there that having a car is truly a blessing). We watched the football game (don’t ask me which one, I don’t even know) and enjoyed some chips with cheese dip and pizza. Afterwards, we played a game of Uno Spin, where my friend and host of the night won every single round. This is the norm, however, when we play board games with him. It was a fun night, and a much needed de-stresser. I’m so glad to have caught up with old friends and be myself around them. Thanks for inviting me to hang out, Rachel!

————

This post was a bit longer and more detailed because I didn’t have time to post yesterday! Also, it’s modeled after Clifford Geertz’ thick description, where events and locations are described in great, thick detail. Have to squeeze some anthropology in here somehow!