Yesterday marked one year of working with Disney and as I scroll through my pictures for the 10,000th time, I am overwhelmed by how thankful I am for the past year I had.  There is so much goodness in this place.  It fills every inch of your soul if you let it, and I just can’t help but reflect on the magic we made in this place.

I moved into an apartment that will be preserved in my memory as more magical than any other castle in the world – Patterson 5306, more commonly known as the Bungalow.  It had the best view of the pool, a weird wolf shaped stain on the stairs, and 6 of the strongest, bravest, kindest, best friends in the entire world.  It endured several heartbreaks, literally hundreds of pizza orders, thousands of Bachelor nation episodes, and more rants about crazy guests than I could count.  It saw tears, laughter, and so much growth.  We battled dragons, Satan, and sometimes each other, but have come out so much stronger because of it.

It is a home so jam-packed with memories I don’t even know how to start sharing them.  They are preserved in the aesthetic of my instagram, in the pages of a journal you’ll never see, and in the deepest caverns of my heart.  I love the Bungalow community more than words allow me to express.  There is such a longing for the return of their friendship, but today I am thankful for memories.

Memories of the first time we hung out and we (accidentally) made fun of our boat driver in front of him.  Of when it rained on the first and last days we went to MK.  Of megabeds and harry potter marathons and cake pops during Irma.  Of fantasmic nights and dapper days. Of bunga brunches. Of bubblegum wall pics. Of birthday scavenger hunts. Of the desperate need for coffee. Of trips to our favorite park disney springs. Of late night talks in front of the castle.  Of the sprinkle pool. Of poolside chats.  Of the grossest drinks but sweetest convo at the Edison. Of spilled candle wax. Of Jesus talks. Of reunions. Of more megabeds. Of 4 parks 1 day. Of chili wolf.  Of Kevin the pizza guy. Of all the Tims.  Of hub grass picnics and corn dog nugs.

It’s a weird place to be – missing the Disney College Program but still being at Disney.  I have the oddest challenge of mourning the loss of something I still kind of have. So, you can find me reminiscing for the rest of forever.  We unfortunately screwed ourselves because it will never be the same.  But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

In that apartment, with those roommates, we all grew to be stronger and fuller versions of ourselves.  We each faced so many unique challenges and we shared them with each other, meeting our problems together.  It was such an open, supportive space where we had tough conversations and real growth. I keep referencing this place and I can guarantee I won’t stop any time soon.  This post doesn’t have much of a ‘takeaway’ other than if you have found yourself lucky enough to be surrounded by this type of community, know that you have found magic.  You are one of the luckiest people in the world.  Be thankful for the time you have together.

So thank you Bungas for the ultimate friendship.  Thank you DCP for bringing us together.  And thank you Patterson 5306 for providing the space for the sweetest of memories.