Disney is “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” but it becomes even more special when you get to make the magic happen.

The Disney College Program is a special internship opportunity for college students, allowing them not only to become Disney employees, but to also take classes and network with the largest media company in the world. This paves the way for a chance to become a professional intern, or even to gain full time employment with the Disney company.

I was fortunate and excited to receive an email over spring break: “Congratulations! You have been accepted into the Disney College Program!” I will be proud to call myself a Disney employee starting in August.

Here’s a little look into what the stages of being accepted into the Disney College Program is like:

1. Shock

When you first see your email or postcard, your jaw drops. It’s been WEEKS since your application process and phone interview…so long you’ve almost forgotten it was coming (ALMOST). You completely aren’t expecting it.

2. Disbelief

What?!? You can’t believe it! It doesn’t seem possible or real! Do dreams really come true like this?

3. Screaming (aka Excitement)

A big goofy smile spreads across your face and you may experience an unintentional shriek. There’s lots of jumping a dancing around as you call your mom and tell her the big news.

4. Panic

As soon as you hang up the phone, the doubt sets in. And doubt turns to stress, and stress turns to panic. What if it’s too hard? How can you make it a whole semester or more away from your friends, family, and classes? Is this REALLY and TRULY what you want??

6. Excitement (again)

You get over stage four pretty quickly and immediately transition into excitement again as you run and tell friends, professors, strangers…everyone.

7. Happiness

Easily the best stage as you start to feel the magic of the Happiest Place on Earth…months before your arrival date!