I spent the last week in Orlando for WGU Academic meetings. I was required to be there from Tuesday through Friday. I volunteered to stay for commencement, so I stayed through Sunday. WGU flew the Teacher's College into Orlando. We stayed on Disney property; at the Coronado Springs Resort. We stayed there the first time we went to Disney World (as a family of 3).
Although we spent most of our time in meetings, we did have our evenings free. WGU provided us with a one-day ticket to a park of our choice. I decided to go to Epcot, which is my favorite. No one else on my team wanted to go there, so I went by myself. I'll have to say...Disney World is a very different experience without children! I actually enjoyed walking around the park alone. I got to do what I wanted, when I wanted.
Our team got together for dinner one evening in Disney Springs (the old Downtown Disney). We stayed out until 1am dancing!
On Friday, we had time to meet as a team. My boss brought a really awesome photo booth. Our team motto is "get on the bus." My boss gave everyone an award for the leadership principal that is a strength. I was recognized for "deliver results" because I always have a high pass rate for my students. We only met for a 1/2 day of meetings because everyone had to hop on a plane and head home.
As we closed our February Academic meetings, we had a visit from some familiar friends!
Since I had the afternoon off, I walked around Disney Springs again. I was on the search for the perfect gifts for the kids.
The commencement was on Saturday. We had to be there bright and early to be at our posts before the graduates and guests started to arrive. We had two ceremonies. The bachelor's ceremony was first, and then the master's ceremony. There were just over 1200 graduates total (about 600 each). This was a huge event. I am really glad I decided to stay to volunteer.
After the commencement ceremony, I met up with my friend Nicole. She and I worked together in San Diego, but the Navy moved their family to Tampa. During our dinner, I found out that they will be moving to Texas in a few months. I wish we had taken a photo!
I'll fly home on Sunday morning. I am very excited to see my family!