The DCP Series: Done.

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my struggles and obstacles have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."

- Walt Disney

Walt was right, as he usually is when it comes to life experience. And four months later, I can wholeheartedly say that's what the Disney College Program was for me: a life experience. The DCP journey is a voyage of self-discovery and a rollercoaster of emotions. It's a constant reminder that every day can throw you through an unexpected loop or a sharp turn in another direction. But again, that's life.

The program isn't all stress and worry about what's to come. There's also an element of ever-growing excitement, a promise that tomorrow, while unknown, won't be anything like today. Each new day has the potential to be something incredible, something that many might not ever have the opportunity to see or hear or do, something...well, magical. But the magic and what made the entire experience was interacting with other CPs, making friends, and living in one of the most exciting cities in the US. Because if it weren't for that, the work and the idiotic management and the overall anal vibe that the Walt Disney Company exudes from its every orifice would be utterly intolerable. I won't get into the details of work or the daily grind of working for the Mouse, but just understand it's not glamorous and nothing like the recruiting videos.

I could talk all day about my mixed feelings about the various aspects of the program, but to sum it up...

- DON'T do the program if you're looking for an internship to learn a trade from.

- DON'T do the program if you think it will teach you anything that is directly applicable to a future job.

- DO the program if you want to get away from school/home/work for awhile.

- DO the program if you want to meet new people and have new experiences you wouldn't otherwise get the chance to experience.
- DO the program if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind life experience.

Would I do it over again if I could go back? Without a doubt. But would I ever consider doing another program? Not a chance. It's safe to assume that, by the end of the program, every CP knows whether he or she belongs at Disney. My verdict? A resounding no. Yours? That's entirely up to you.

Change.

Regardless of how much effort I put into maintaining this blog, this month seems to prevent me from doing so. I've managed to pry a few precious moments from the taloned clutches of May, however, so I'll use those to the best of my ability.

Today marks the final week of my days as a high schooler. Graduation is, all at once, hitting me. Hitting me like a very, very forceful slap across my naive face. Suddenly, I'm realizing that it's not just another bland award ceremony. It's not just another unrealistically embellished school event.

It's the commencement of another phase of my life.

Upon discovering the seriousness of this day, I am, once again, questioning my readiness. I don't feel any different than I did last year, and I doubt moving a silky tassle from one side of my head to the other will change that. Being a senior hasn't granted me some philisophical epiphany into my future, nor has it granted me any vast knowledge or maturity. It was just another year.

This week is no different. It's simply another seven days that happen to fall at the end of my final semester of high school.

But something is different.

Something has changed, and is changing, inside me. Almost as if God is showing me who I am, and who He wants me to be outside the walls of that high school.

For the past few months, doors have opened left and right. Too many doors, in my opinion. I'm being forced to make monumental decisions in moments when I feel like I need years. I'm planning out each day as if it were worlds more important than the last. I'm having to put more faith in God than I have ever felt compelled to.

Things are different, things are changing, and I only hope I can keep up.

Done.

Tis true. I am unbelievably close to graduating which, odd as it may seem, is becoming gradually easier to accept.

Initially, I was apprehensive when it came to considering life outside of the musty walls of high-school. Did I say apprehensive? I meant mortified. Of course, as a Freshman, you don't consider these things quite as much because graduation feels like a distant event that will most likely occur moments before your death. Four years is the equivalent of an eternity in the mind of a 14-year-old.

Trust me, I've been there, rather recently in fact.

But now, I'm kinda over it. Don't get me wrong; every now and then, I'm overcome by that nauseating OMG feeling, but for the most part, I've come to terms with...well...growing up.

I know, I sound like some old fart or a monk or Ghandi or something. Truthfully though, this is how I've felt for awhile now. Rather than put my fingers in my ears and yell until I've found my happy place, I freely and avidly address that eminent date.

I'm ready to be done. I'm ready to move on. I've accepted it, and now I'm eager for it. I know I'm not really in the position to be proud of myself because I haven't really accomplished any marvellous task, but the two months seperating me and my diploma are fading fast.

And after that? Who knows what I can do?

Almost There.

Graduation supplies were passed out at school today, and it was pretty much a massive slap on the forehead for me. I'm actually going to graduate high-school. Granted, I've got four more years of learning ahead of me. College is just high-school with perks. I get that, I do. But it's a BIG step in this little thing I call life.

It's exhilarating, yet terrifying. Emotions are confusing like that.

However, while I'm anxious about the eminent woes of collegiate life, I will inevitably be the same person I am today. Just slightly taller and with more facial hair. I know it will be difficult, don't get me wrong.

I know I'll be facing new challenges, and I know I'll have to overcome new obstacles...

...but I'll be facing them with the same God who's seen me through thus far. And I have no doubt He will continue to do so.