One of our Facebook page members posted something today that is not only reassuring to parents of students about to embark on the Disney College Program, but is a great testament to the program.  Most especially, it’s a great shout out to our kids and how they’ve grown so much because of their short time in the program.

Too often, we tend to see our kids through clouded visions of “our babies” and, of course, those memories are strong.  We make the mistake of forgetting that our job is to raise them to be independent adults.  Seeing their success is our success, too.  So, when you’re saying goodbye to your baby at Housing, think about this:

My son has been at Walt Disney World since January 10th, and is working his last shift today.  There have been a lot more highs than lows.  Meeting people from all over the world, making lifelong friends, 46 four keys cards, making memories to last a lifetime, building confidence, and learning how to “adult ” while being across the country from everything familiar.  

We took a pretty hands-off parenting approach and he has stepped up just like we knew he would.  There were some very nervous days for this mama, but the hubby kept me reigned in, and our son is better for it.  He stumbled but figured things out along the way.

I just want to reassure the incoming parents that our kiddos are usually capable of a lot more than we sometimes give them credit for.  Working for The Mouse has been a great experience overall. 

Well done, Mom and Dad.  Well done, Alumni.

by Laura Schwartz with thanks to Patti Mickelson