Not once did I ever imagine that I would actually apply for the Disney College Program. I remember seeing the posters around campus in various places, but I never seemed to consider it for myself. Something about it seemed unattainable to me. I was a girl from a country school. My parents did not have money, so anything other than the necessities was usually never considered.

A vacation? Nope.

The latest iPhone? Nada.

Taking part in a program sponsored by one of the most famous corporations in the world? Who would even think about it?

I did not have good luck, and while good things did happen, I never considered my own work ethic to be part of the equation. Whether it was the crippling self-doubt that I have lived with all of my life, or the simple fact that maybe I was mostly unlucky in life, I always considered similar opportunities to be out of reach.

When people would ask me what I wanted to do with my life, I was always hesitant to respond that I wanted to work for Marvel. It seemed so big and lofty, but mostly fool-hearted.

But, as I began to go through the process, it never occurred to me how much this program could mean to me till I was that much closer to being in it. I applied to the Disney College Program on a whim. I was already applying to the professional internships when I was told that I should consider DCP.

I was already busy applying for everything else that I immediately applied. It was quick, simple, and relatively painless to do. It was not even an hour later that I got a response asking me to complete a “web-based interview” or WBI.

I was shocked to say the least.

Someone body had to look at my resume and read it, determining that my past experiences were worth the risk. While some can look at that statement and see humility, I see the failure in how I regard myself.

I should not have to be surprised that I was good enough. I work extremely hard, even if I do not realize it half the time. I do not allow myself the luxury of being complacent in the work that I do because I feel like it could always be better. I feel that I could always be better.

After completing my WBI, I had my phone interview a few days later.

Any interview is rehashed a thousand times over in the head of the interviewee. I was no different in that regard. I constantly thought back to every little thing that I did when every day passed and I heard nothing back. Eventually I did, and it was the news I hoped for.

But, this whole event made me realize that I need to doubt myself less. Big opportunities can be ruined if you believe that you do not deserve them. You’ll never get anything you do not apply for. Living life you do not belong is a pointless endeavor and quite honestly, a waste of everyone’s time.

Be who you are and be who you want to be. Fear can hold you back if you let it.