Good things

First and foremost, I had an absolutely fabulous time in North Carolina. So very much wanted to stay. Tentatively planning another visit during my winter break, but details aren't hammered out yet. I'm sure we'll let you all know



Life has certainly taken an upswing the past few weeks. I've heard, from several different people, that I have Potential. And it isn't the usual "Cinn, you're lazy, get off your ass and do something." It's, "Cinn, you can really BE something. Don't waste it." I guess they're basically the same thing, but one seems to be borne from irritation, and the other...the other is actual caring and concern. I am constantly surprised about what others notice about me, and how, even after being in the state that I've been in, they honestly believe in me, and what I can do.

I also seem to be throwing out vibes lately... I'm getting more compliments, more smiles, more looks, more flirtatious advances. People that, up to now, haven't made an effort to talk to me in class, are now joking around with me, and notice when I've missed a class. When I went to work Tuesday to pick up my check, three people told me I looked awesome. That never happens.

Part of it is the glowy aftereffects I'm feeling from last week. Part of it, I think, is just plain old fashioned confidence. I've been so down on myself since...well, for the past couple years, to be honest. TFP (especially a few specific members...you know who you are) has gone a long way toward repairing my broken self-esteem; so, thank you for that.


The combination of all these things has done wonders in "waking me up," so to speak. It's time to get out of this rut. I've put in an application for Disney's College Program, and I'm going to the presentation tonight. If I'm accepted, it means moving to Florida for five months, working at the park and possibly (but not necessarily) taking classes.

The basic College Program means I'll probably be doing something lower on the scale... merchandise, front gate, something like that. After completing the basic program, though, I'll be eligible for the professional program-- which includes Conservation Education. Which I would absolutely love to do.

If I DON'T get into the program, it's time to start planning. Appalachian State has degrees in both Environmental Sciences and Education (if I decide to stick with that.) Since I don't want to pay $20,000 (and I couldn't afford it even if I wanted to), the plan of attack is this: spend a year working and going to the community college to establish NC residency, then bam... much cheaper tuition.


And if none of that works out... I've still got Nashville in the back of my mind.



Basically, I feel like I've been hibernating. It's time to step up, and stop depending on other people so much. It's time to see what I'm actually capable of doing. To quote Lloyd Dobler: "My assault on the world begins now."