Growing up, I considered Disney World my home away from home in every sense of the word. My love for it was ingrained in me from the time I was three months old, when I began going once or twice a year. The anticipation built up for every trip was just as abundant as the last, and I never grew tired of going on the same rides, staying at the same hotel, and eating the same food every time. As much as things changed and evolved as the parks expanded and became more exciting, they also stayed the same, and coming back was always comforting.

Once I officially made the decision to go to Rollins, I was terrified at the prospect of living over a thousand miles away, but Disney World being so close by was a definite benefit of moving to Florida. It was somewhere familiar and close to my heart, and a place where I would eventually have some of the best times of my life with my college friends. I have learned so much more from my visits to Disney World than most would probably expect, but they are lessons that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.

1. Good things come to those who wait.

If I added up the hours I’ve spent waiting in line for a ride or an ice cream cone, it would probably add up to about half my life. But, being patient always reaped a reward that was worth the wait in the end.

2. Being a child sometimes is totally okay.

Being an adult is totally overrated, and sometimes it is completely essential to enjoy the things that made you happy as a child. And most of the time be more excited about them than actual children, even if it doesn’t seem like it.

3. No one is too old for Disney World.

I mean this in a sentimental way, and also because Epcot after dark during the Food & Wine Festival has a higher concentration of loud, stumbling intoxicated people than anywhere else I’ve ever been. When there is a need for a “No Climbing” sign on the Mexico pavilion, you know it’s bound to be a good time.

4. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, no matter how bad a day you’re having.

I cannot tell you how many times throughout the years I’ve seen an angry parent yelling and even cursing at a cast member because of something that is out of their control at the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” no less. It’s disgusting, and has given me the utmost respect for anyone working in a job that requires customer service.

5. Like Walt Disney said, all our dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.

Throughout my childhood living in Pennsylvania I always insisted that I would live and work in Disney World one day. I now live five minutes away, and will begin working there in the fall.