On Monday, I told you we took our one and only child to college. Needless to say, it is a difficult transition… for us. For her on the other hand, it is a new beginning… the next chapter of her young life… a chance to reinvent herself… find the best in herself… to put to use all the things she has learned thus far… take another step towards her lofty goals in life.

We are immensely proud of her but as a mom this is my opportunities to put in my two cents worth. The way I see it, it’s my job as her mom to pass on the wisdom I have learned over the years. 🙂

Disney has always given me great quotes to support my life lessons. Here are some of my favorite Disney quotes I want her to take to heart as she heads off to her new life:

“Today’s special moments are tomorrow’s memories.” -Genie, The Return of Jafar

College is full of incredible experiences. These experiences will be the memories you will look back upon fondly later in life.

“You don’t have time to be timid. You must be bold and daring.” – Lumiere, Beauty and the Beast
“If watchin’ is all you’re gonna do, then you’re gonna watch your life go by without you.” –Laverne, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
“Venture outside your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it.” -Rapunzel, Tangled

Believe it or not, college will fly by in a flash. Don’t waste time sitting in your dorm room watching TV. Get out. Meet people. Attending guest lectures. Go to sporting events. Join clubs. Take a fitness class. Serve on your Hall Council. Seek out volunteer opportunities. Mentor younger students. All after you do your homework, of course!

“Whistle while you work” – The Seven Dwarfs
“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and -snap! – the job’s a game.” – Mary Poppins
“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” – Mulan

Unfortunately, not every part of college is fun. Sad but true. There will be crazy amounts of homework, reading assignments which seem to compound, and term papers from professors with nearly non-existent grading criteria. However, if you can make the most of it, find some element fun, stare the hard stuff in the face and say “I got this”, then maybe it won’t be so bad. The best part is when it’s done, when you are finally finished the last bit of homework, reading and term papers (for now), you will feel an amazing sense of accomplishment.

“If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.” – Pocahontas
“Sometimes we only see how people are different from us. But if you look hard enough you can see how much we’re all alike.” -Jasmine

You will have the opportunity to meet people from many different cultures, religions, and races. Use this opportunity to learn about their lives, their thoughts, feelings, and so much more. This information and the relationships you build will make you a better person and a better friend. And you might even be surprised at how much you have in common.

“Let your conscience be your guide.” – Jiminy Cricket

Your conscience is a powerful thing. As I have said before, if something feels sketchy, it probably is. Trust your gut to tell you what the right decision is.

“Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it.” – Elastigirl, The Incredibles

You have a wonderful sense of morals and values. People will try to sway you to do things that might be against those values. It’s your job to protect it!

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” -Walt Disney
“Have courage and be kind.” -Cinderella
“You control your destiny. You don’t need magic to do it.” -Merida
“Our fate lives within us; you only have to be brave enough to see it.” – Merida
“Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.” – Grandmother Willow
“It’s up to you how far you go. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.” – Merlin
“The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work.” -Tiana

You have stated many times that you have very specific goals. My hope for you is you keep your eye on the end goal and have the courage to make the hard decisions which will help you achieve these goals and make your dreams come true.

“There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow.” -Carousel of Progress

Even with all the wonderful accomplishments you had during your time in high school, your future is so bright and beautiful. Take advantage of everything that comes your way.

“There is something you must always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin

We believe in you! You will do great things!

“Don’t just fly, SOAR!” -Dumbo

Sue Nowicki is an alumna of the 2014/15 Disney Parks Moms Panel. She used to spend her time being team mom all of her daughter’s sports teams where she filled the roles of secretary, navigator, head cheerleader, treasurer, athletic trainer and team psychologist. Now that she her daughter has gone to college, if you can’t find her, check the closest corner where she is likely crawled up in a ball crying. Just kidding, she is now trying to find her new place in life all while keeping her love of Disney close to her heart. You can follow her on Twitter @MQPodcast.

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