Day 881: Two Years Ago

How fast time goes by will never fail to amaze me. It's weird to think that I'm almost on Day 900 of Everyday Disney, and looking back two years to my own Graduation is a sort of weird feeling. Of course, remembering everything that's happened since then is both happy and sad, but I figured that in honor of one of my best friends graduating from High School today I'd take a look back two years. 

Some of  you might remember my Graduation Hat, which I have no idea where it is, but it definitely still rings true, and Carousel of Progress has continued to play an important and interesting role in my life, especially when it comes to Megan and the fact that she managed to sneak the reference into her speech without me noticing the first time. I'm never going to live that down. Graduation hats are one of those terrifying things that you don't necessarily have to do, but if the fact that I'm talking about mine two years later has anything to say about it, make for a great memory. 

I figured I would share Ashley's hat as well, because I think it's a great quote that sums up the other half of what Graduation is: 

When you leave High School, so much of what happens is about the future. You're an adult, going out into the real world, but I think what was hardest for me when I left was wondering what my legacy would be. Did I really impact people that stayed behind? Did I really make a difference? Will I be forgetten faster than I am remembered? All valid questions, and it's a terrifying combination of future hopes and dreams, and the worries that those we leave behind will forget everything we faught for. That's why I love Ashley's hat, which includes signatures from those who have impacted her around the outside as well. It's a brilliant idea, and I was honored to be one of the signatures that she carried with her as she got her diploma. 

These past two years have been one of the greatest adventures of my life so far, as they should be. College is a whole new animal, and while sometimes the future might seem as big and as scary as a bear, as love as we are brave, we'll get through it. Those we leave behind have a choice on whether or not to remember us, but I think if you put enough time and energy into something, a part of you will always stay there. You can be remembered for the good things or the bad things, it's up to you, but ultimately, even when it seems like we won't be, we will be remembered. Our legacy will live on long after we leave, or in this case, graduate, and what we have learned will follow us into our futures as well. 

Congrats to the entire class of 2015, but especially to one of my best friends, Ashley (or Frank, whichever you prefer). It's been an amazing journey so far, and I can't wait to see where this next one leads you. 

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on June 4 due to Computer Issues).

Day 503: SNC Graduation 1

It's funny, because in High School, by the time I actually graduated, I had already sat through three other graduations, and in college, I'll sit through three before my own as well. I mean, someone has to help play Pomp and Circumstance, right? At least in college we get paid for our work.

Either way, this past Sunday I sat through my first of four graduations here at St. Norbert, and not surprisingly, it was filled with weird and very random little Disney references. The Commencement speaker in particular was just amazing. His name was Chris Ayers, and he's a '97 St. Norbert College Alumni. I guess I don't even really have words, so you can watch his speech here: 

Chris is an artist that works out in California, and it was interesting because his career path seems very similar to how I want mine to go. Of course, I won't be drawing animals on my way out there, but it's still interesting to think about how when he went to school here, twenty years before me (I graduate in 2017), he had similar dreams as I do right now, which makes his speech that much more inspiring to me. 

But that wasn't the only Disney reference at Graduation. The class 2014 speaker ALSO mentioned Disney, using one of my absolute favorite quotes: "All our dreams can come true, if only we have the courage to pursue them." When she mentioned "As Walt Disney once said," I was like what in the world is going on? Is this graduation ceremony the one of my mind? I guess you could say that I really hope my college graduation is as good as the class of 2014's, which I'm sure it will be. However, that's a ways off still...not that time won't go quickly! 

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on May 21 due to finals).

Day 501: IT IS FINISHED

It's honestly funny how quickly a year can pass by without you knowing it. Thinking back to 2013, I wasn't halfway done with a year on this blog yet, I was still in High School and I most certainly did not have a year of college under my belt. But now I do, and it's weird how much things change. How much you change.

I remember at the beginning of the year saying that I didn't want to change too much. I still wanted to have this blog, I wanted to keep my friends close, keep the high school band a part of my life, especially when it came to the Disney trip. I wanted to make new friends and everything at college, sure, but for the most part in my mind, it was just another year of school. How silly of me to think that it would work that way. People are always going to tell you (this is some advise for seniors in high school right here) that college is going to change you. You'll go in as one person, and after less than a year, you'll be someone totally different. You'll try to deny it with all your heart but don't, because you'll be a better person because of it.

But how exactly has my life changed in the last year? Some things are really obvious, like Once. A year ago it was just one of my favorite shows and now it makes up a good portion of my life. My friends and I refer to each other as "mates" now, and for some reason I've adapted "Bloody Hell" into my day to day language, plus I regularly send my friends memes or GIFs of Once characters basically explaining my life. They're entertaining to say the least. Like this one:

And while I love that one, it's not even my favorite of all of them. There are plenty more where that came from. Either way, I didn't expect to find stuff like that on my phone a year ago. Star Wars maybe, but not Once. Never Once. And now thanks to it I have a constant, something to always look forward to, new friends, and a lot of great memories. 

I went back and read a couple of posts from last year around this same time, specifically from graduation, and it's interesting because I guess I still kind of feel the same way I did then. I love college, don't get me wrong, but I miss my senior year a lot. I was very happy, surrounded by people I love and care about, and I'm never going to be able to repay for the wonderful opportunity I'm given right now, to be able to march with the band once again this summer. It means the world to me, especially when things just keep changing. I mean, moving into a room for a year and then moving out and then into a different room four months later just gets a bit overwhelming if you ask me. 

But that's how life is. It keeps changing, and all we can do is keep moving forward. 

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on May 22 due to finals).

Day 187: A Grad Party

Today was, finally, my Graduation Party. I guess I'm not saying finally in the idea that I was looking forward to it, but more-so because I was looking forward to it being over. Planning a Grad Party is just a lot of work, and these last couple of days have been crazy trying to figure everything out for it. You see, a couple of days ago I realized that I had nothing really planned for my party, but I knew I had to do something special. If I didn't do something Disney themed, for instance, I felt a bit like I was failing at life...and letting this blog down. It just seemed like something I had to do.

So I hit Pinterest, and came up with a few ideas as well as plenty of ideas of my own, and then I set to work with my friends and family. After a number of hours (ok, an entire day for me and Megan) we managed to get everything ready, and I'm really really happy with the results...even if technically they're already gone taken down.

I think my favorite part of all my decorations was the entrance. If you've ever been to my church or were to my party, you know that it's kind of confusing trying to find your way to the basement where we all were. So, I devised a plan on how to lead people there, and who better to lead them than Figment? I got the idea from Imagination itself, where towards the end of the attraction Figment's footprints lead you back to the Imagination Institute. I even replicated the signs from when you're headed to Figment's house in the first place!

But that wasn't all that was Disney themed at my party! As you can see in the picture below, there were plenty of other things going on too! Obviously there were plenty of Mickey's present. I had one at each table and several more on some shelves! Les Paul made an appearance, as did Sleeping Beauty Castle. I also had the screen set up so I could play a video that had "Memories" and "The Amazing Chase" playing every so often for people to enjoy. And finally I had board games for people to enjoy, and boy, did we enjoy those!  

Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without mentioning Everyday Disney! So on the doors as people left I had Thanks for Coming signs that encouraged them to check out this blog. If you, a person that attended my grad party, are reading this, then I'm super glad you came!!! It means a lot to me that you took the time and effort to check out my blog! 

So overall the party was success. Granted...Disney is so close that I can taste it, and now that this is over I can put all my focus on the fact that I only have a couple days left until I'm in Florida!

Here's today's Disney History: 1925: Walt and Roy Disney put down a $400 deposit on a lot at 2719 Hyperion Ave., in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles, California. They plan to build a new animation studio. The single story building will serve as Disney's base for the next fifteen years. 

Have a magical day!

Day 154: A Proud Moment

As I discussed yesterday, I had graduation, but there was one portion of graduation that I didn't really mention anywhere in that post. Well, two portions, but they go together, so that's why I didn't mention either of them initially.

Yesterday proved to be, honestly, one of the proudest days of my life. My best friend, Megan, went up, faced her fears, and gave a speech to the entire community as our Salutatorian. She absolutely hates public speaking, like a lot, and she mentions it in her speech, which I share just down below, but she did perfect. She could not have done a better job, and I honestly can't even find the words to say how proud I am of her. I think that says enough though...the fact that I'm speechless.

Here's Megan's amazing speech from our graduation:

Now, did you catch the Disney reference? I didn't the first time I read it, but it's another reason I'm so proud. I mean, to go around speaking "Disney" all day long is another thing, but she honestly put in a Disney reference without even knowing it. That's pretty awesome if you ask me. And if you didn't catch what it was, my hat says it all...

Congratulations Megan, you were amazing yesterday, and I am absolutely proud of you, and very very lucky to call you my best friend. Now let's go out and have a great big and very beautiful tomorrow!

Here's today's Disney History: 2011: Sadly on this day, Disney Legend Wally Boag passes at the age of 90 in California. Born in Oregon in September 1920, Boag became an important part of Disneyland's live entertainment in 1955 when he became a leading man at the park's Golden Horseshoe Revue. As Pecos Bill, he entertained Disneyland park guests five days a week, three times a day, for nearly 7 years. Boag also provided the voice of the Audio-Animatronics parrot, Jose, in the Enchanted Tiki Room. 

Have a magical day!

Day 153: Graduation

I'm going to split this blog post into two...meaning that I'm going to write half of it now, save it, and then write half of it later. Why? Before and after graduation.

Right now, with about two and a half hours until the start of our graduation ceremony, it occurs to me that all along, for the last 13 years, this is the day I've been dreading. Unlike most graduates, I never saw the happiness in Graduation. It meant we leave. Yes, we get to go on to bigger and better things, and don't get me wrong: I'm excited for that too, but I leave so much behind. This past year has, without a doubt, been the absolute best year of life. I found myself in a position I was happy with. School didn't seem like work anymore because I loved what I was doing. Isn't that what they say? That work doesn't seem like work if you love what you're doing. Being the president and drum major of the Seymour High School Band was a TON of work...more than I think anyone could have possibly imagined, but I loved what I did. I would walk into band everyday with a smile on my face, and if I didn't, it wouldn't take long for one to appear. The band says they are extremely proud of everything that I have accomplished and they thank me for everything I have done, but honestly, they have made me who I am today, and I am the one who should be doing the thanking. I would not be Lizzie Tesch without them. I wouldn't be ready to go onto my own Adventure in the great wide world of Disney. It just wouldn't happen. Not to say that the rest of the wonderful people who surround me haven't made an impact as well...they have, but it's the band that gave me opportunities and responsibilities and made it possible for me to learn. I didn't think I'd like being Drum Major, but now I can't even imagine what my life will be like without it. I wouldn't of had that if it weren't for the band, and most certainly I wouldn't be going into music next year when I head to college.

As I said in my memoir post, If my life was a movie, I would be standing in that band room slowly turning while the world flew by around me. That's how it feels right now. It feels like the past 13 years have flown by. It's like it was just the other day when my kindergarten class would have nap time, or how in 1st grade we would watch the show "Oswald", which was about an octopus I think, during snack time. Or what about recess, or the end of third grade when I took pictures with all my friends. There was middle school, with the hours spent on projects and studying for tests. And in high school, there were the insane projects, one after another, some by myself, some as a group, but each one a masterpiece in it's own way. And then there was senior year, the beginning of the end, and how every single day I would think about June 2nd, Graduation, and how much I wanted to avoid it because I wasn't ready to leave. I'm still not ready to leave.

But most importantly, it feels like just the other day I played oboe for the first time, or that first time I played in the high school band. And now, here I am, about to play with that group, all of us together, for the last time. I am not ready to leave, but I am not afraid of the future either. It looms, like, as I said in my introduction for Brave at our final concert, like a big and ferocious bear. But if we pursue, everything will work out alright, and we will become everything we want to be.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Graduation is over now, but I think my only real comments on it are this:

I feel much better now that it's over. I honestly don't feel any different, other than the fact that my friends all still go to school while I stay at home...well, until I go in to do some work. Then I just get a visitors pass. That is weird though.

I am incredibly proud of my best friend, Megan, for her speech, but that will be tomorrow's post.

There is a lot of picture taking.

My solo went great, and the band played really well.

Other than that, I can't say that I feel any different or that anything is different. Time is still going too fast, but at the same time, for the moment it's seemed to slow down, although I have to say that today has gone by pretty quickly. I still have a lot of work I want to get done for band, but I enjoy that job, and if there's anything I can do to help, I'm going to do it. =)

Here's today's Disney History: 2011: Disneyland Resort celebrates the opening of The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure with a special ceremony at Disney California Adventure park. Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel, performs "Part of Your World," one of the memorable songs from the film's Academy Award-winning score. The attraction opens to the general public June 3.

Have a magical day!

Day 149: Last Day

You know what's incredibly sad?

Your last last day of high school.

While most people are in the stage of "I can't wait to graduate!" I'm still stuck in the "I don't want to leave" stage. I think it's largely because I'm happy where I am. I've actually enjoyed school for the first time in many years. There were many days when I couldn't wait to go to bed, just because it would make school come faster. That's a mindset I haven't had in a very long time.

So now, as I sit here in my English classroom, after seniors have technically been dismissed, I realize that I don't necessarily want to leave. I, instead, want to stay. But at the same time, leaving means that summer is beginning, and it means I'm one step closer towards becoming an Imagineer.

The past few days have certainly been interesting, filled with final projects that I have to say are some of my best projects in all of high school. When I go to college, I won't necessarily have the time or opportunities to continue making things like those I've made in the past few days, and that's part of the reason why I spent the last two nights working with very little sleep.

But there are other reasons as to why I worked so hard on my final projects, which, once I catch up with my blog, will be on the previous days that I finished them. My castle, which I created for my College Credit English final, was made because our assignment was to read an independent book, and I read How to Be Like Walt by Jim Denney. In a day or two I'll share my review of the book, but it taught me a lot, both about Walt, of course, and about myself. I put the extra time and effort into the projects not because I wanted praise, but because I knew it would make my teachers smile. It's just like how Walt didn't create Disneyland for people to praise him, but because he knew that the guests visiting would love it and it would make them happy. And my projects did that. Both my Poem Video, Memories, and my Sleeping Beauty Castle, brought smiles to the faces of the teachers that I have looked up to for the past four years. As I explain on the post about my video, I reminded the teacher why he loves teaching, and that was more rewarding than anything else he could have said. I make these things because it's fun to see what I can come up with next, and I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by a group of people who make my dreams become a reality.

But, for now, as I finish out my last day of high school...ever...I know that what I look forward to most is this: sleep. And after that, I can't wait to spend a summer with my friends, to travel back home to Disney World, to prepare for college, and to dream new dreams. Plus, with no homework to do, I have a lot more time to read, write and blog.

There will be plenty of time for the bittersweet thoughts of Graduation, but for now, here's today's Disney History: 1917: John F. Kennedy, the thirty-fifth United States President, is born in Brookline, Massachusetts. THe youngest elected to office, at the age of 43, events during JFK's administration include the Space Race. One of the 10 wealthiest U.S. Presidents, visit him and all of the U.S. Chief Executives at Disney World's the Hall of Presidents.

Have a magical day and remember to keep moving forward!

Day 142: Awards Banquet

Tonight was my senior Academic Awards Banquet, and I have to say that while it was pretty long, it was also pretty great. I haven't always had the best grades, but my work has still shown through and I got several awards and scholarships. The best part of the night though? All the talk of Disney!

It seems that every time I was up on stage, someone was talking about Disney and me...well, every time it was just me they were talking about. It came up at least three times...well four depending on how you look at it. First as I got my Business Department Award (Outstanding Computer Student), my Business Teacher gave a bit of a shout out to this blog, which was pretty awesome if I do say so myself. She also talked about how I went to National FBLA with her and we went to Disney, which is still one of my favorite Disney trips to this day.

And then, as I got both scholarships, Disney came into play. For one, the presenter wished me luck with my internship at Disney (College Program and hopefully an Imagineering internship), and that really meant a lot. Second, as I got a Memorial Scholarship, my Creative Writing teacher, who was presenting the scholarship, mentioned that I was receiving the award because of my love of "reading, writing and Disney." He should know plenty about my love of Disney since I'm writing my memoir on it! Speaking of that...I should probably keep working. I'm only on chapter three and I have seven chapters total...unless I write more, which at this rate is quite possible.

Either way, it was a successful night for me, and I have a pile of certificates and a plaque and cords for Graduation now sitting in my house. Now I just have to stop denying the fact that I'm graduating I suppose.

Here's today's Disney History: 1998: Disneyland officially unveils its newly renovated Tomorrowland. New additions include Rocket Rods (a high-speed attraction running on the former PeopleMover track), Redd Rockett's Pizza Port (a restaurant located in the former Mission to Mars attraction), NASA Space Experience and the short "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience." Also re-opening is the Astro Orbitor attraction, having been relocated to the entrance of Tomorrowland and placed on ground level, thus making the ride the new focal point as guests step from the main plaza of Disneyland into Tomorrowland.

Have a magical day!