Take the Dream with You

Oh, 2015, what a year you have been. I'd like to say that it's been quite the year of adventure. Looking back on photos, past blog posts, and videos reminds me how blessed I've been this year.

When 2015 began, I knew I wanted to make a change. I wanted to say "yes" to more opportunities, put myself out there, and just grow more confident in myself. Most of my life I've spent living up to a standard I expected to have, and when I didn't live up to it, I was degraded and laughed at. So confidence has never been a strong attribute of mine at all. But after some hardships that closed out 2014, I knew 2015 was a time to change things around.

And I am so glad I did. Since the very beginning of the year, I have become a contributing editor for BroadwayWorld where over 5 million monthly visitors have seen my writings on shows, interviews with theatre professionals, and a very special tribute to a little Broadway fan whose life was ended too soon because of child cancer. I have been told my writing has impacted many, and none of that would have happened if I didn't take a chance and send in a copy of my writing to the site to apply. 

In May, after four years of tests, quizzes, group projects, trips, student government, and more, I completed my bachelors degree. These four years were not easy by any means, and the final semester was the toughest of all, but I did it, and that's all that can be said. I completed my time and chapter on the campus of Liberty University, and I am forever grateful of every opportunity, professor, and friend I had there.

I also made my return to The Walt Disney Company for my second Disney College Program. With that, by some weird situation that no one understands, I made my return to my home lands of Frontierland/Liberty Square. What started out as instant regret and a giant step backward actually became one of the best things that could have happened. Returning to a familiar area allowed me to enhance the relationships with the fellow cast members I already had previously as well and shine a light towards the new people coming in. I have created amazing new friendships with this group that wouldn't have happened if I wasn't brought back to the area. 

So where will 2016 take me? Well, for the first half I will continue my Disney College Program in my home land, and plan to explore opportunities to figure out what can/will be next. I have also decided to continue my education and pursue my masters in communication studies. And lastly, well, you'll just have to wait and see what else will happen. 

Happy New Year, friends. Take the dream with you wherever you may go.