When I first got my Alumni shirt I was super excited!... but I had a hesitation.
I was struggling with feeling so cliche and over the top by deciding to blatantly identify myself as a former cast member. I told myself that I would not be that person. I would wear my shirt as a "chill" shirt around town but would never wear it to the parks.
Then people started posting pics of themselves in a Disney park wearing the shirt on Facebook... and as much as it is my nature to not bandwagon things, I simply couldn't resist!
And I am completely glad I did! You should do it too and here is why.
1) It was a free Disney shirt! It's no different than if you were to buy a shirt in the park and then wear it in the park that day or the next. We wear Disney shirts simply because it's a Disney shirt. #culture
2) We should all have pride in the fact that we were chosen to be a part of the college program. A lot of people don't get the opportunity we had. We did it and stuck it out to finish the program. That's an accomplishment
3) It's a way to connect with others who maybe did a different program then you. I had several people stop me and ask when and where did my program. We sparked a conversation and it was really nice to meet more people.
4) It's an excuse to tell someone about the program. Many have heard about it briefly but still have questions. You have now become a level of expert in all things DCP related. And you get to share some of your favorite memories
5) You could learn something new. You might meet someone who did the program more recently then you and has the inside scoop on what's new with the programs and at the parks. Maybe you'll even get to see some pictures. (if your not already stalking websites, podcasts, and Facebook pages for all that info)
But I will warn you of a few things as well...
1) You are representing the program when you wear that shirt. If you enjoyed it and want others to enjoy it as well then you are still responsible for setting an example in the parks. You can't go around acting a fool and being disrespectful to people and cast members while wearing the shirt. First of all, that's just bad behavior to begin with, secondly it's just tacky!
2) People will talk to you. If you aren't feeling like talking to random people that day, probably not the shirt to wear.
3) If you post your picture on the Alumni Facebook page, your phone will blow up with notifications. We are a supportive group and we like that you wear your shirt so tons of people will probably like your pic. (my friend posted her's and got likes 61 likes in the first hour)
Overall I say enjoy it, embrace it, don't be ashamed. Wear it with pride! Take your pic, post it, and let us all celebrate your glorious return to the homelands with you.
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