The Door and The Window (with it's purple "curtain")

Here's a little backstory on the door/window. Back in January, 2008, I returned to school for my MBA in Management. My resume needed a little refresher after umpteen years of motherhood and self-employment. The idea was planted in my brain that perhaps I could apply for a Professional Internship (PI) for the Spring of 2009. I applied for 5 PIs as soon as the applications opened up, none of which needed prior Walt Disney World College Program (CP) experience. I had my initial interview on August 15, 2008 and was told that I would be moving forward in all five areas! It was very exciting and the waiting began.

Wait and wait and wait. It was excruciating not knowing if any of the departments would want to interview me. Finally, I received an email to schedule an interview for Retail Management! I had that interview on October 22nd and thought it went as well as I could expect with all of my nerves. It's hard not to replay all of the answers in your head afterward thinking of MUCH better answers later on! The interviewers told me I'd hear back in 2-3 weeks. I had been told early on that the deadline for the PIs was November 28th, 2008, so not to lose hope until then.

More waiting, wishing, and hoping with no word, but lots of rumors. WDW departments received their budgets and internships starting dropping like Autumn leaves. It was so sad to see so many people's hopes dashed as the economy crashed their potential jobs against the rocks. Still, while 3 of my internships were cancelled and 1 was filled, Retail Management was still a glimmer of hope. The rumors were fast and furious, however, and I panicked a bit, so decided to interview for the College Program. On November 7, 2008, I had my interview and it went VERY well. My interviewer told me I'd hear back in 2-3 weeks. 5 weeks later on December 12, 2008, my coveted Purple Folder arrived, telling me I'd been invited to become a WDW Cast Member in a merchandise role! My window is open!

I haven't given up hope yet on the door. I understand that departments and locations are still making their decisions so there is still a chance I could get my PI instead of the CP. However it ends up, my dream of being a WDW Cast Member is about to come true, whether by the door or the window, I can still see the blue skies and sunshine and pixie dust and wishes come true!

I now have 14 days to pack and prepare for the journey. Adventure, flexibility, and patience have all been my guides through this process.