We’ve all heard of the Disney depression before. After the Disney College Program I did go home and basically mope around for a good three months. To go from sunshine to snow was tough (it literally snowed the day after I landed), but it was moreso the whole not seeing my friends thing.

But what really happens when you complete your program? What are the good outcomes?

You Keep Your Friends

I’m so happy to say that I still keep up with my friends from the program. We’re all friends on Facebook, and there’s just something about working at Disney together that brings you close.

But I actually still call and talk to a few select friends that made a particular impact on me. A bunch of my friends and I actually met up in Vegas almost a year after our program ended, and we’re planning another trip this summer. This won’t change, guys.

Your Friendships Evolve

I was so upset when I left because I knew I wouldn’t see much of my friends anymore, but my friendships eventually evolved. Now we speak on the phone instead of in person. Now I get to see what they’re doing on Snapchat instead of firsthand. The good news is that it feels a tad different, but also similar all at the same time. You’ll find out what I’m talking about later.

You Gain New Perspective

My situation is probably a little different from yours. I graduated, and when I did, I came back to live in Orlando.

In short, this was so surreal.

Everything reminds me of a time of my life that’s already come and gone. It honestly sucks. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does–boy oh boy.

I see CP’s out and about sometimes and I always feel so envious of them. They truly don’t know how good they have it. They never will until the end. That’s when I realized that life truly moves quickly. To any CP’s reading this: enjoy it while it’s here.

You Grow Up

The program changed me. I went from a semi-nervous kid to being much more outgoing and well-spoken. I went from being a whiney kid to a happy one. I learned how to take care of myself, pay rent, and cook food. I also started treating my family better because I had been away for so long. You come out the other side with a little pixie dust on your shoulder, and the people around you become happier because of it. It’s a cool thing.

These are just a few things I noticed. Yes, life after the program is hard, but the good news is that you do end up keeping in touch with your friends and you always carry a little bit of Disney with you wherever you go.