credit update #3

OH! And another quick update about my credit situation...
I'm finally at least getting 4 credits under independent study. It's officially on my transcripts, thank you to my preceptor!

I'm still waiting for news about my Human Resources class......I am not sure if I filled out the right paperwork for that and my college is closed for the break. I'm going to have to see what is going to happen with that.

2 weeks.

Exactly 2 weeks from today I will be checking in at Vista Way. Is it crazy that I'm not feeling it yet? I feel nothing. Don't get me wrong, I am so excited to be going down. I want this more than anything. I have been waiting for this moment since my freshman year in high school. Ever since I learned about the program. And now, finally, I am going! I guess it just doesn't feel real to me. But it is. I will be eating, breathing, living disney for 5 whole months.

Tomorrow, my mom is bringing down my suitcases so I can start packing! I have absolutely no idea what I am going to pack. I don't know what to expect. How many shirts, pants, shorts, etc. does everybody usually bring? Like...I'm tempted to just pack up all my clothes. Pack ALL the clothes!! (...tumblr.....). I really don't have a lot of clothes...(which is unfortunate...all the stores I love are expensive haha). So yeah, I'm not sure what is going on with that.

I'm also going to go shopping tomorrow. (Technically today since it's 12:30......but whatevs) I need to at least buy my professional clothes. I'm a little pissed that I will probably have to blow all my christmas money on these stupid professional outfits...when I could be using my money for outfits that I can actually wear in everyday life. Ah well, you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

I also somehow need to fit an iphone in my budget. I feel like I will need a smartphone since I will be living really far away. I feel like I need it because my current phone right now is a fail. If I got an iphone, I'd have to pay my own phone bill....while also paying for rent and gas. I did some estimate budgeting.... I would be able to afford it without touching my bank account...however at the end of the day I would only be bringing home $70 when the bill comes around. I don't know how to budget very well....yet. I actually might be very good....I've never been on my own to try. I could definitely manage having an iphone...it's just me being able to afford all the other things I worry about. Too bad my parents aren't willing to strike any bargains with me.

Wow, this is pretty off-topic now.

So, professional clothing will be my main goal for tomorrow. I will also not leave without some things I can actually wear casually too. So, yeah.....I guess more blogs are to come soon since things are really starting to pick up now. The pressure is on, baby!

My credit situation.

I finally got a call from my preceptor. He said I am approved for one independent study (worth 4 credits). So half my problem solved. But then he told me to go to academic advising to get a pre-approval credit paper (?) so I can get credit for my Human Resource Management class at Disney. So I drove all the way to Stockton and the lady at the desk has no idea what I am talking about. I am back in the pit. I have another paper (which I don't even know is the right one) and it needs to be signed by my preceptor who isn't going to be on campus until after new years. I leave January 9th. I need this to be fixed before I leave and I am running out of time. I am so close. I just need another 4 credits.

I am signed up for an online class at stockton...some weird marketing class so I will still get credits from that one class. But the problem with that is that is there are meeting dates. WHY?! It's called distance education because we can't get to school to learn this stuff. I'm going to email the professor and explain to her that I will be taking this class from Florida. I hope she will understand.

I am so fed up with my school. I hope nobody has to go through this.

The DCP Facebook Groups

They disgust me. It kind of scares me that I will be working with these people. Everybody seems so negative. People will jump down your throat if you post a question or post something they don't agree with. All this drama started as soon as people started getting accepted in September/October. As soon as the first person posted that they were accepted, the whole page started to panic. People were getting accepted and they wanted to be one of them. I'm going to admit, my heart fluttered and I checked my email every 5 minutes. I'm not going to deny that I went crazy (to myself...I don't post in the facebook group).

The more acceptances posted in the group, the more impatient everybody got. People started panicking like "Why haven't I heard back yet?!", " It's been 2 weeks, should I call?!", " Is 'in progress' a good thing?!", "What does wait-listed mean?!". If I had a dollar for every time I saw one of those posts I could pay off my college debt and buy a bag of chips.

But now...it's not even like that kind of drama anymore. Now people are getting really snippy. Most of them are just looking for attention, and they get exactly what they want. People are threatening other people saying that they will get termed. No one is even there yet, you can't really judge who will get termed just by this facebook group.

And I am kind of being hypocritical when I say that, because I feel like some of those people will be termed. It looks like they are there for the wrong reasons, but I have no right to judge. So, I should not be judging. It just happens. When you say you are there for pussy and parties, it just gives off a really bad impression. As with any situation, people who don't belong will get weeded out.

For all the hopeful applicants, all I can say is to try to stay away from the facebook groups. When I got accepted I was SO excited I could finally join these groups. Now, it kind of killed a lot of excitement because I see a lot of immature people going. It's nothing but drama. But just remember, this group is just a fraction of the people going. There are tons of people still going who aren't in the group, so it's not totally bad :)

Finally got some help!

HALLELUJAH!
I finally have some sort of direction to go in now!
I finished my blaxploitation final really early, so I decided to see if there was anyone else who I could talk to about my DCP situation. I was fiddling around on the DCP site, and they said to check with your registrar. But for some reason, my school doesn't have a registrar office...just student records. So I went and spoke with student records again. The man I spoke with sat down with me this time, and told me that the only way I could get credits for the program was if I filed it under as an Independent Study. I'm not exactly sure what that is, but I am going to try it anyway. Luckily, my preceptor is a hospitality professor, so he will be able to supervise my independent study if he accepts. I filled out my portion of the paperwork, and left it in his office. Hopefully, he'll go to his office sometime soon and find it. I feel so bad bombarding this man with all of this, but I am so desperate that I will do anything it takes.

Just as a precaution, I applied to my community college to sign up for classes just in case this falls through.

So now, all I have to do is wait for my preceptor to do his part, get the paperwork back, get another signature, then hopefully I will be all set. This all needs to happen in less than 27 days >.< I am praying for a miracle!

Somethings that you should know before applying...

Something I wish I knew before I took on the Disney College Program was how much (or little) my school was involved with the DCP. In my case, my college knows absolutely nothing about this program. The DCP is like rocket science to these people. They have never even heard of it. Really? This is also an international program...people AROUND THE WORLD know and apply to this program and you have never heard of it? Really? Really Stockton?

Getting the information I need from these administrators is like finding the holy grail. I have never had such a hard time with something in my life. My advisor hasn't answered my emails (I sent several....) and academic advising has not helped me either. The man I spoke with literally said "I can't really give you any other answer besides 'I don't know'". He made a phone call to a woman, and when I asked if he wanted my contact information so he can pass the information back to me, he didn't want it. So, how am I supposed to fucking know what the woman on the phone says? Fuck.

Some people are luckier than I am. Their financial aid and loans allow them a semester of absence of leave. However, I have private loans so they require me to have at least 8 credits to maintain my part time student status. My school has no idea if the Disney classes will transfer....even though they are ACE accredited now.... They literally know nothing.

So as of right now I have 3 options:
1) Take my two Disney Classes (Human Resource Management and Advanced Hospitality) and pray the credits miraculously transfer.

2) Take online classes from my community college and burn a huge hole in my pocket. (Is it possible to redirect my loans?)

3) End my loans and start my 6 month grace period. But if I do that, then I will have to start paying back my loans immediately.

UGH, why is nothing in my life ever easy?

It's December!

You know what that meansss!...
I will be going down to Florida next month. 


Wow, I still don't think it has hit me yet that I will be living in Florida and working for my favorite company in the world. It hits me a little bit when I listen to Disney music....but I just feel like.....numb. In a good way! My emotions need to wake up!

And a biiiig wave of rejections happened yesterday. I am so sorry to everybody who received one, and you guys better try again for fall! Disney is all about never giving up on your dreams, so don't you dare give up yours! You just gotta have a little more patience and pixie dust :) You guys got this.

I feel like I need to be doing something to pass the time. Work and school keeps me busy, but not busy enough...I need some sort of hobby so I can make these next 37 days fly. They've flown by pretty quickly, next week is my last full week of school, but now that I'm really counting the days, it's going by slower. And what am I going to do when school is out? I need things to occupy myself with! I wish I had a talent like.....crochet or an instrument...or even writing something. Derp.

Just some organizing....

I made a list of what I need, but here is a list of what I have:
*things I will buy when I'm down there
**things I will buy in bulk

Bathroom:

1. Shower Curtain
2. Bathroom Rug
3. Tub mat
4. Toothbrush/Toothpaste*
5. Contacts
6. Hair dryer
7. Straightener
8. Soap holder
9. Soap*
10. Shampoo/Conditioner*
11. Razors/Shaving Cream*
12. Loofa! 
13. My lady things**
14. Plunger
15. Bathroom cleaning supplies*
16. Hand towels/ Wash Cloths
17. Towels 
18. Shower caddy
19. Robe
20. Band Aids*
21. Advil/Nyquil/Dayquil**

Kitchen

1. Toaster
2. FOOD**
3. Sponge*
4. Dish soap*
5. Towels
6. Dishes? 
7. Cups
8. Mug
9. Tea pot? 
10. Silverware (I heard some apartments have missing utensils)
11. Juicer (if my mom lets me bring it!)
12. Strainer. I have a feeling I will be making lots of pasta.
13. Tea bags**
14. George Foreman grill? 
15. Ice tray
16. Ice tea pitcher
17. Chip clips
18. Lunch box
19. Swifter

I feel like there are tons of things I am missing...

Bedroom:

1. Wardrobe
1. Costume
2. Lazy Clothes
3. Pajamas
4. Gym wear
5. Nice clothes
6. Business clothes for Traditions and classes
7. White/Black Sneakers*
8. Bathing Suit
9. Slippers
2. Bed comforter/sheets
3. Egg crates
4. Pillows
5. Pillow covers
6. My stuffed animals
7. Snuggie
8. Winnie the Pooh blanket
9. Lamps
10. Alarm clock
11. Mirror
12. My little pink collapsable dresser I bought from Bed bath and beyond
13. Storage boxes
14. Hangers*
15. Bed risers
16. Make up
17. Hair brush
18. Bedside caddy
19. Laundry hamper
20. Laundry detergent*
21. Fan
22. Door mirror
23. Under bed storage
24. Space bags
25. Lock
26. Batteries*
27. Flashlight
28. Luggage
29. Tool kit
30. Iron/Ironing board

Well, I got some stuff settled. Still have so much to get with such a little bank account! 

And today, I am (hopefully) meeting with my advisors and I can share any of the information on my very neglected and empty blog haha. 

87 days and counting!

That is 12 weeks! I feel like I should start packing, or at least making a list. I have no idea where to start though!

I guess here is my list:

Bathroom:

1. Shower Curtain
2. Bathroom Rug
3. Tub mat
4. Toothbrush/Toothpaste
5. Contacts
6. Hair dryer
7. Straightener
8. Soap holder
9. Soap
10. Shampoo/Conditioner
11. Razors/Shaving Cream
12. Loofa! 
13. My lady things
14. Plunger
15. Bathroom cleaning supplies
16. Hand towels/ Wash Cloths
17. Towels 
18. Shower caddy
19. Robe
20. Band Aids
21. Advil/Nyquil/Dayquil

Kitchen

1. Toaster
2. FOOD
3. Sponge
4. Dish soap
5. Towels
6. Dishes? 
7. Cups
8. Mug
9. Tea pot? (Are tea pots included or do I bring my own?)
10. Silverware (I heard some apartments have missing utensils)
11. Juicer (if my mom lets me bring it!)
12. Strainer. I have a feeling I will be making lots of pasta.
13. Tea bags
14. George Foreman grill? 
15. Ice tray
16. Ice tea pitcher
17. Chip clips
18. Lunch box
19. Swifter

I feel like there are tons of things I am missing...

Bedroom:

1. Wardrobe
1. Costume
2. Lazy Clothes
3. Pajamas
4. Gym wear
5. Nice clothes
6. Business clothes for Traditions and classes
7. White/Black Sneakers
8. Bathing Suit
9. Slippers
2. Bed comforter/sheets
3. Egg crates
4. Pillows
5. Pillow covers
6. My stuffed animals
7. Snuggie
8. Winnie the Pooh blanket
9. Lamps
10. Alarm clock
11. Mirror
12. My little pink collapsable dresser I bought from Bed bath and beyond
13. Storage boxes
14. Hangers
15. Bed risers
16. Make up
17. Hair brush
18. Bedside caddy
19. Laundry hamper
20. Laundry detergent
21. Fan
22. Door mirror
23. Under bed storage
24. Space bags
25. Lock
26. Batteries
27. Flashlight
28. Luggage
29. Tool kit
30. Iron/Ironing board

I feel like there are tons of things missing, but this is just a pre-list. When it gets closer I'm sure I will have a real list.

And then there is the question of how much of what I should bring! Like how much to pack without overpacking, or under-packing. How many shirts will I wear? Pants? Shoes? I've never been to Florida in the winter so I guess I should bring a jacket? Ah, so much to do. I have 87 days to figure this out. 

Introduction!

Boy, do I suck at these. I am warning you now, I think I suck at blogging. Why? Because I am not creative enough to keep up with it. I see all these great blogs and I want mine to look like theirs, only I just never can. Anyways.

The basics...
My name is Melissa.
I am 19 years old....but I will be 20 this saturday!
I go to the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.
My major is hospitality.
My current job is a cashier at Shop Rite.
I have younger twin siblings and a fat cat named Tigger.
I love food and disney and friends.

Disney related...things.
Favorite Movie: Beauty and the Beast/Tangled/Tuck Everlasting...etc.
Favorite Park: Magic Kingdom!
Favorite Restaurant: Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club Resort.
Favorite Resort: The Boardwalk/The Wilderness Lodge
Favorite Character: Winnie the Pooh/ Eeyore.
As you can see, I can never pick just one haha.

Disney College Program
Yes! I was accepted into the Disney College Program. I applied on September 5th, had my phone interview at 3pm on September 10th, and was officially accepted on September 20th!

(Yes, it is true. No more purple folders. I was very disappointed :( )

My role will be Merchandise for Spring 2012  with hopes of extending!
I hear they are opening the Little Mermaid ride in the Fantasyland expansion and I WILL DIE IF I DON'T GET TO GO ON IT BEFORE I LEAVE.

Anyway, merchandise wasn't my top role. I  wanted attractions. But beggars can't be choosers!

Why do you want to do the Disney College Program? 
This is the hardest question to answer. Because it's DISNEY. If I could live in disney, I would. (And I will be from Jan. 9- Jun. 1!) I love Disney, it has been a part of my whole life. I have a ton of memories that I can remember, even from my very first trip from when I was three. Alot of what I remembered were from Cast Members, so if I can make memories for atleast one child I will be happy. I am also excited to meet a TON of people. Everybody says they come out of this program with their true friends and I hope that is the case. I hope to meet my future best friends. Not that I don't love the ones I have at home. I'm just a greedy bitch and I want MORE. This program is also going to be a kick in the ass. I complain about shifts longer than 5 hours at my current job. I am going to have to get used to working 10+ hours pretty much everyday. I need to learn that to earn a living, I am going to have to work my butt off and I can't get everything I want that easily. It will be a slap in the face with the real world. I'm exciting that I will learn how to live on my own in Disney World. What better place, right? People say they come out of this program a whole different person. It changes their lives. This is the experience I am looking for.