Friday, April 30, 2010

[INFOPOST]Things to Think About: Career Development (a.k.a. -- The NEW Disney Plan)

Sorry for the long title, but this is half a personal update post and half an info post. Enjoy!

So, if you saw my post a few days ago then you read about my tiny drama with Disney and my loans and enrollment. Well, it's all fixed now. I went to see Sharon at Career Development yesterday, and if you've been following my blog from the beginning then you know that Sharon is a LIFE SAVER. She works directly with Wayne, our campus recruiter, and the campus reps to help set everything up for Disney. She basically keeps my school's relationship with Disney alive and well. Anyone at AppState who is interested in applying for the program should make an appointment with her. She's very understanding of your concerns and will help you find a way to ease them.

Also, I urge anyone at any school to track down the Career Development representative at your school that works with Disney. Not all schools have them, but most do. It's the smartest decision you'll make. How would you go about finding this person you ask? Well, I'll tell you how I tracked down Sharon.

I went to the presentation schedule on the college program site, and found my school. To the very right of my school's listing was Sharon's name and her school assigned e-mail. I e-mailed her and told her I was going to be applying for the program and asked what she suggested I do before I applied. She responded back and then said that I could call and make an appointment with her if I wanted to discuss these things in person. So, I did. I have met with her a total of three times now, and each time I have learned something new about this process.

Your school's Career Development office can be VERY helpful to you so USE it! You won't regret it.

Back to the main point of this post though, Sharon helped my figure out my enrollment situation. I will now get elective credit for two classes while I'm at Disney which will keep my Grace Period from activating. This means that the exploration series class I planned to take is out the window, and I will now be taking two of Disney Collegiate level courses. I have a list of four that's ranked in favor of the two I want to take the most. I have two back ups in case the ones I want fill up before I check in.

The two classes that I'm hoping to take are:

1) Marketing You
2) Creativity and Innovation

My back ups are Corporate Communication and Organizational Leadership (At least I think that's what their called, lol.)

I'm in the middle of exams right now so I'll probably be posting a lot more as a means of procrastinating and distracting myself (it's what I'm doing right now.) I'll be done with exams on May 4th (May the 4th be with you: International Star Wars Facebook Status Day) and I'll be moving home on the 5th after a long day of packing and cleaning my apartment.

So far I've got no updates to give you on the job front, but Sharon gave me a great idea. If I can't get a steady job I could always babysit. Extremely flexible hours, and money to make credit card payments plus I have TONS of experience to back it up. Also, my mom's a hair stylist with rich clients who might have kids or grandkids that need watching so I could give her a flier to put up at her station. And I think there's a website where people who want to babysit can put up a listing. I can't remember what it's called though. If anyone out there knows please feel free to comment and tell me.

Well, that's all for today! Until next time, have a magical day!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Tales of a Disney College Program Hopeful -- Vlog #17



Until next time, have a magical day!

Small Disney Road Block...

So, you know how I mentioned the loan "Grace Period" in my last post?

Well, turns out that "Grace Period" is causing complications.

Until now my plan has been to take one exploration series class while at Disney. I'm not getting credit with my department, and I didn't need it for my insurance so I wasn't worried about classes at all. This plan has been scrapped.

I have loans, and the deal with loans is that you get a 6 month grace period after you leave school before you have to start paying them back. I'm going to be at Disney for 5 months. It's one month short of 6 but I do NOT want to risk anything. So my financial aid counselor suggested I be enrolled for 6 semester hours. My Grace Period wouldn't start and I wouldn't even have to worry about it. So, I e-mailed Sharon at Career Development and asked how I could get 6 semester hours, and she said it was a relatively easy fix.

All I needed to do was e-mail a specific person at the school of Business about being enrolled in the "Dummy" courses within the school of Business. These are courses with the school of Business label that act as place holders for credit and classes down at Disney. Sharon said that this meant I would now need to take TWO of Disney's collegiate courses to coincide with these "Dummy" classes.

I then realized that I had already submitted my "Intent Not to Return" form to the Registrar so I asked Sharon what I should do about that, and she said all I had to do was call them and request to have that form cancelled. So I did that, and was told they would contact everyone on campus and tell them I changed my mind about not being enrolled at school while at Disney. So then I sent the woman at the school of business an e-mail asking to be enrolled in those two Business courses.

Hopefully that will solve my problem. I'm meeting with Sharon tomorrow to discuss classes. I have a few questions for her about which ones I can take and which ones she suggests. After reviewing the list I think I know which ones I want to take, but like I said I have a few questions for Sharon first.

So there's my small Disney road block. It looks as though it's fixed. Cross your fingers that no more complications pop up.

Until next time, have a magical day!

[INFOPOST] Things to Think About: Financial Aid

If you're applying for the program then Financial Aid should be one of the first things you think about. If you're applying in January for the Fall you've got to think about the FAFSA, If you've got private scholarships you'll need to meet with your financial aid counselor, and if you've got loans you'll need to make sure the program doesn't accidentally activate your college loan "grace period."

Some schools make it difficult to meet with your financial aid counselor (like mine.) Our counselors at ASU prefer to do things over the phone rather than in person, but it may not be that way at your school. Also, it depends on what kind of financial aid you have. All of my financial aid is Federal and is a result of my FAFSA so all I had to worry about was how to re-apply for FAFSA.

I called my counselor and she told me to apply like I did every year and just to fill it out like I was coming back in the Fall and then when I hear back about my awards I would need to make it clear WHICH semester I would be accepting them for.

Also, the FAFSA Customer Service lady told me to make sure the "grace period" on my student loans was tripped while I was in Florida. If you have a loan you get a "grace period" before you have to start paying them back, and it's possible that my absence from school while on the program could be seen as me no longer being in school. My "grace period" could start while in Florida and then I would have to start paying back loans when I return home. We definitely don't won't that.

So I've got to call Financial Aid today and make sure nothing happens with my loans. Hopefully, she'll ask if I want to make an appointment. I would really feel better discussing it in person. It just feels more official than discussing it over the phone. If she doesn't, though, I can deal. As long as I KNOW that the government knows I'm not through with school yet.

Anyways, there's your hopefully helpful post for the day! No Formspring Wednesday once again. This week I had only one question from my cousin Kayla, and it wasn't really a question about the program. It was a personal thing. So I'll answer her question privately.

Don't forget to ask me stuff though! You can use the widget on the right side or you can go directly to my Formspring at http://www.formspring.me/angellwings

Also, I'll be posting a new Vlog tonight! Part 4 will be posted tonight and Part 5 will be posted tomorrow!

Until next time, have a magical day!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Tales of a Disney College Program Hopeful -- Vlog #16



Until next time, have a magical day!

The "Non-Costumed" Disney Look

Disney Look Professional Style
Disney Look Professional Style by angellwings featuring Old Navy

Ever since I got into the program my mom and I have been looking around for "professional" clothing. I've discovered that the BEST place to find this is Ann Taylor or Ann Taylor Loft. But Old Navy has appropriate and affordable skirts and trousers as well. I looked around Maurice's, but sadly only found one thing that looked both cute and professional.

The outfits you see above are my inspiration and the types of things that I'm looking for. I've found a few things that are similar so far, but I'm going to keep looking over the summer.

But for those of you having trouble finding clothes for Traditions or for your classes, I highly suggest visiting Ann Taylor or the Ann Taylor Loft. You'll definitely find a few things there.

Until next time, have a magical day!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Tales of a Disney College Program Hopeful -- Vlog #15



Unil next time, have a magical day!

Tumblr!

For those of you with Tumblrs I have one! I made one last week. There isn't much on it yet, but I'm sure that will change once Summer rolls around, haha.

Here's the link: http://angellwings.tumblr.com/

Feel free to look around. The content won't be strictly related to my experience waiting for/participating in the program. The Tumblr is more like my safe place to be random. Enjoy!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The New Disney Look Appropriate Check In Outfit ;)

Disney Look Appropriate Road Trip/Check In Outfit
Disney Look Appropriate Road Trip/Check In Outfit by angellwings featuring Vera Bradley bags

The last outfit I posted for Check In day didn't have a jacket with it to cover up my shoulders for the photo so I made a new one that did come with a jacket. I really like that top, I might have to go back and buy it once I have the money, lol. I adore those ice cream cone earings too! They're so precious!

Until next time, have a magical day!

Tales of a Disney College Program Hopeful -- Vlog #14



Until next time, have a magical day!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Disney Flickr Photo of the Day: Friday


All Aboard!
Originally uploaded by SpencerLynnProductions
This is our last Disney Photo of the day.

I picked this one because the light and composition is beautiful, and the Walt Disney World Railroad is one of my favorite things about any of the parks. It was the first thing I did on my first trip to the Magic Kingdom, and I remember every second of it.

I hope you all enjoyed this untraditional top 5 list!

Until next time, have a magical day!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

ASU's Disney Send Off Party! (and Formspring stuff)

So tonight at 6PM I attended my school's Disney College Program Send Off Party. It was really fun and informative but wasn't really a party. It was really just all of sitting in a circle asking questions and discussing the reality of the Program.

The campus reps brought us pizza, and we sat together in a room in the Student Union and talked. They gave us a packet of information to help us while we're in Orlando. It has helpful tips and a list of grocery stores and restaurants nearby, and lots of other great information. I got the skinny on going seasonal (which I will hopefully end up doing), and clarified a few things like Main Gate Passes.

I found out that there are 10 of us from AppState headed to Orlando. We have no students going to California. Originally there were 15 of us going to Orlando, but 1 changed her mind and FOUR never even responded to their offers. Only eight of us were at the party because the last two were just unavailable for the night.

It was really chill and laid back. I had a ton of fun getting to know some of the cool people that will be down there when I will be. I have to say that my AppState D-fam seems pretty awesome. A lot of the Campus Reps are graduating this year, so this helps my chances for when I apply to be a campus rep at the end of my Program. They were all really amazing and helpful. If you've got campus reps at your school, don't be afraid of them. They really just want you to be comfortable with your Disney adventure. They're willing to help anyway they can.

So that's all I have about the Send Off party. Now to explain why there was no "Formspring Wednesday" this week. Formspring is being difficult. I answered two questions on Wednesday but Formspring is only showing that I answered one. The second question I answered has just dissappeared.

So instead of a post please see Vlog #13 for this week's Formspring Wednesday questions.

That's all for now! Until next time, have a magical day!

Flickr Disney Photo of the Day: Thursday


Pin Central
Originally uploaded by Jamian
This photo of Pin Central is so beautiful! Look at all those colors! And the shapes are all really dynamic and kinetic! And that's why this is our Disney Photo of the Day!

Until next time, have a magical day!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Flickr Disney Photo of the Day: Wednesday


Mad Tea Party
Originally uploaded by Jamian
I LOVE the colors in this photo! Plus it's very rare that you find a photo of the Mad Tea Party ride when it's not operating. The colors and shapes in this photo are absolutely beautiful. Everything about this just screams Disney.

And that's why it's todays Photo of the Day, Enjoy!

Until next time, have a magical day!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tales of a Disney College Program Hopeful -- Vlog #13



Until next time, have a magical day!

Flickr Disney Photo of the Day: Tuesday


The Dapper Dans
Originally uploaded by SpencerLynnProductions
I ADORE this shot of the Dapper Dans. I see them and I think, "Magic Kingdom." This shot has beautiful light and composition, and I love that they're all in the middle of singing. This photo makes me even more impatient for August.

And THAT'S why it's today's Photo of the Day.

Until next time, have a magical day!

P.S. New vlog coming later day!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Flickr Disney Photo of the Day!


Minnie Tops My Car
Originally uploaded by Samantha Decker
Okay so I was going to do a top 5 list of my favorite Disney's photos from Flickr, but I decided instead to post one every day through Friday. So today's photo is called "Minnie Tops My Car", and is from Samantha Decker's Flickr.

I have a an antenna topper. I love it! So this picture just made me all kinds of happy. I love the focus, and the colors. It's so vibrant and happy! And that's our Flickr Disney Photo of the Day!

Until next time, have a magical day!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Formspring Wednesday!

where did you answer my questions? Are you coming this weekend?
This question is from my cousin Kayla, and I'm guessing she was asking about our family's Easter Breakfast that we have every Good Friday. Kayla, yes I did come, lol. And are you talking about your questions about coming to visit me and me getting you a T-shirt? I answered those a long time ago. Just click on the tag "Formspring" and it should be one of the posts that come up. Btw, I will be at your birthday part this weekend! Are you a liscensed driver yet, cousin? ;)

If you could marry any animated Disney hero, who would you choose?
oh man, this is hard. I like them all really, but if I was going to MARRY one of them it would be Prince Phillip. He's a Prince, but he seems very modest and chill. He's confident and pretty funny I'd say. If you haven't watched "Sleeping Beauty" in a while, go watch it. Phillip is actually really funny (espescially when talking to his father, haha.) Yes, I would marry Phillip. Or Prince Edward from Enchanted just because he looks and sings like James Marsden. :)

Ask me stuff: http://www.formspring.me/angellwings
 
Until next time, have a magical day!

Friday, April 09, 2010

Top 5 Things I'm Most Looking Forward To in Disney!

A new Top 5! YAY! I bet you guys thought it was never going to happen. Well, here it is.

(By the way all of these photos can be found on Flickr!)
The Top 5 Things I'm Most Looking Forward To in Disney:

5. Dole Whips


I've never had one. Not once on any trip to Disney have I gotten a Dole Whip. As a matter of fact, I had never heard of them before I started the DCP application process. Everyone keeps talking about them (and by everyone I mean John Henselmeier, Ryan O, Abby, and ALL of the Facebook group). I find myself craving one even though I am one of the unfortunates who has never tasted the whipped pineapply goodness. One of the first things I'm going to do on August 6th (the first day of my mini-Disney vacay) is try a Dole Whip. With all the hype it's received it BETTER be AMAZING.

4. The Restaurants


Again, other than the Food Courts I have never eaten at Disney. I have eaten at places like The Electric Umbrella, and the Paris bakery (who's name escapes me) but I've never actually eaten at a service restaurant. I'm very excited about getting to do so. The first chance I get I'm eating at one of those amazing restaurants. They always look like so much fun.

3. The Characters



I love the park characters. Just the fact that they are there makes my day brighter. I love watching them interact with the kids and families that come to the parks and I love interacting with them myself. I love the environment the characters help create, and I can not wait to work in a place where I can see them (or at least get glimpses of them) everyday. I won't be able to attend my nephew and my sister-in-law's birthday get togethers in November and I'm already planning an awesome gift for the both of them that involves Disney's awesome cast of characters.

2.The Monorail



I have only ridden the monorail once ever. I loved it. I wish I had gotten to ride the monorail more during my last Disney trip, but our resort had bus transportation. We rode the monorail to go resort hoping, and it was very fun. We also rode one of the Disney Boats to go visit the Wilderness Lodge. But I enjoyed the monorail more than the boat ride or the bus ride. The monorail is just so different! I can not wait to ride it as often as I can. Once again that's going to be one of the first things I do when I get to Disney in August.

1. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party



I have always wanted to be a part of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween. The first time I heard about it I wanted to go. I'm very excited about being at Disney while this is happening. I don't care if I'm working it or just attending...it's what has me the MOST excited. When the time finally comes during the program you can bet I will be bouncing off the walls with excitement. I know it's intended for young children, but it's Disney! It's Disney all dressed up for Halloween! How could I NOT get excited about that?


There you go folks, those are the top 5 things I'm most looking forward to! I know alot of you will be in Florida too so maybe you can join me and enjoy some of these things with me!

Until next time, have a magical day!

Job Hunt and Final Exam Countdown

Finally, I have time to do a personal update post. I feel like it's been a while.

New TOP 5 things to do list:

-Call Financial Aid and ask questions about leaving and coming back. (I've already done this once, but I want to ask everything again just in case. If anyone out there has any suggestions for things I should ask, then please comment and let me know!)
-Find a Job (I've already applied for 10 jobs. If I don't hear from any of them by next Wednesday I'll applying for more.)
-Create a Spec Ad for Angie at Skirt Magazine (This is for my internship supervisor. She wants to see what I can do, but I'm having a hard time finding time to sit down and make an ad for her.)
-Stop spending so much money. (I need to cut out everything unnecessary. Just need to spend money on food and things for school. Nothing else.)
-Finalize who's going to be in the apartment in Florida. (The apartment is essentially full, we're just waiting to hear back from some people.)

I've left out things related to school assignments (of which there are many) because I just wanted to focus on things that will affect my summer and the DCP. I've got a crazy amount of things to do for school right now. I've got 3 group projects to do, 3 huge single projects coming up, a ton of quizes and exams, and then after all of that...Finals.

Dum, dum, DUM!

But all in all I'm just trying to get through the semester because once the semester over I'll only have to wait three months before going to Disney. 12 weeks! YAY! Right now there are 16 weeks until I check in at Vista Way! Woo!

Also, I have 53 followers! *FIVE SECOND DANCE PARTY*

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Awesome! I think I might record my next Vlog this weekend. It will be a normal average vlog. With my awesome intro. I'm going to read a few of my formspring questions from the last two Formspring Wednesdays, and talk about the make over my purple folder received (It was starting to fall apart so I had to save it.) See you guys this weekend!

Until next time, have a magical day!

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Formspring Wednesday!

where do u want to live? and when are u leaving for disney? -daisy

I want to live in Chatham. Patterson is my second choice. And I'm leaving for Disney on August 5th. My family and I will be spending a few days in Orlando before I check in on the 9th.

what is going to be arrival date? -daisy
My official DCP Check in Day is August 9th. I'll be in Orlando a few days before that though in order to spend some time with my family before the program starts.

k i just found out my question i just kept on reading ur blog sorry would u like to b roomies? check me out https://twitter.com/daisymercade777 http://www.youtube.com/user/daisymercade777?feature=mhw5 http://daisywdwcp.blogspot.com
Well, I'll have to discuss it with my other roomates. At this moment I have three other roomates, and right now we're waiting to hear back from some people, but I will definately keep you in mind and discuss it with them! Just took a look at your blog! Can't wait to meet you in Florida.


Thanks for all your questions, Daisy! I just realized that I think I'm already following you on Twitter. Congrats on getting in to the program! See you in Florida!

That's all for right now. Until next time, have a magical day!