Back in January, when I first applied for the Disney College Program, nothing could prepare me for my first week as a DCP participant. All the waiting for check-in seemed to fly by, as 90 days turned to one day away. The night before was full of jitters and uncertainty. Moving so far away from home for seven months seemed insane and I started to be worried that this program may not be for me. The next morning, I arrived to check-in five minutes early and security made me wait to go inside until exactly 8 a.m. My mind was racing with everything that could go wrong. I quickly moved some things into my room and headed over to casting, and this is when all my insecurities about the program went away.

At casting, not only did I meet some of the new CP, but I also found out my location. I found out I was working in my favorite park and in one of my favorite locations of the park. Suddenly, everything I feared seemed to be silly pre-arrival nerves and they all disappeared. Of course, I was worried about being away from my family for so long, but I knew that I would never forgive myself if I went home without even trying to do this program.

The next couple of days were pretty laid back. I had a housing session, which was as fun as it could be, but after that I was able to explore Universal with my family. Unfortunately, the next night my parent's went home, which was very tough, but my amazing roommates made my first night without my parents an unforgettable one. Not only did we go to the Polynesian Resort to watch "Wishes!" on the beach, but I also had my very first Dole Whip! Suddenly, I felt like I finally found where I truly belonged and I couldn't be happier.

Finally, traditions came, bright and early may I add. Luckily I had one of my roommates with me the entire time, but after traditions I was officially a Walt Disney World Cast Member. To make this day even better, my roommate who had traditions with me surprised me with Be Our Guest reservations, which almost had me in tears since this was my dream ever since it opened.

Once getting to the park, we went to New Fantasyland and straight to Be Our Guest. Once inside the Grand Ballroom, there were tears in my eyes. How lucky could I be to have dinner where my favorite princess found her happy ending?

The next night, I was back in the Magic Kingdom, this time to watch "Wishes!" right above the castle. It finally hit me. This is my life for the next seven months. I can randomly decide to go to the Magic Kingdom on my day off and watch fireworks like it is no big deal. This is what I dreamed about my whole life.

So yes, before arriving to this program, I was a nervous wreck. But now, I never want to go back home. I am so glad my fears didn't stop me and I can't wait to see what comes next on this magical journey.