Disney College Program? Should I do this? Help, please...

[Musings]

Again, thanks for all your input I really appreciate everything

How did you like your experience overall? I am considering either going for concierge, hospitality, or photopass photographer - I can't decide! While I do want a career in the travel/hotel industry (specifically Disney) I am an aspiring photographer but it's really just been a hobby of mine as opposed to a career. But I'd still love that experience because I've heard so many phenomenal things about it! what did you go for?

I'm sorry for asking so many questions. I'd really just love as much of a "taste" of the experience before I arrive.

Be aware those 3 are highly competitive. Most people end up in some form of merchandise, custodial or QSFB. I went for merchandise. I found the experience valuable and I have two close best friends for life as a result of the program. One I met at my traditions class and another one I met at my workplace.

However, I would suggest highlighting your desire to work in those specific roles, what your job experience or academic experience contributes to it (high school experience does count!). You can list ANY experience, not just job experience on the application. I noted all my high school accomplishments and my university accomplishments/work history.

I am not sure if you are a photographer if you would want to pursue photopass, it may kill your interest. You aren't essentially having photographic freedom. You will take pictures at an assigned attractions or with character performers. You may want to pursue the hospitality role. However, having experience with photography will boost your chances. Just make sure to stand out, be enthusiastic, for the web based "interview" make sure the customer is always right.

No matter what I tell you - nothing compares to actually being there. It is a solid experience, it is worth it for the friends/independent experience. It prepares you for the real world. I loved it for being independent, there were times I went crazy because of a rough day at work. I rarely called my parents, but I did call my father one time when I had a rough time. Just stick with it, the managers are very understanding. You gain respect for sticking through your program, not everyone makes it, there is a high turnover rate. Be smart, sensible and safe but have fun.

 

[princesskiki]

Be aware those 3 are highly competitive. Most people end up in some form of merchandise, custodial or QSFB. I went for merchandise. I found the experience valuable and I have two close best friends for life as a result of the program. One I met at my traditions class and another one I met at my workplace. However, I would suggest highlighting your desire to work in those specific roles, what your job experience or academic experience contributes to it (high school experience does count!). You can list ANY experience, not just job experience on the application. I noted all my high school accomplishments and my university accomplishments/work history. I am not sure if you are a photographer if you would want to pursue photopass, it may kill your interest. You aren't essentially having photographic freedom. You will take pictures at an assigned attractions or with character performers. You may want to pursue the hospitality role. However, having experience with photography will boost your chances. Just make sure to stand out, be enthusiastic, for the web based "interview" make sure the customer is always right. No matter what I tell you - nothing compares to actually being there. It is a solid experience, it is worth it for the friends/independent experience. It prepares you for the real world. I loved it for being independent, there were times I went crazy because of a rough day at work. I rarely called my parents, but I did call my father one time when I had a rough time. Just stick with it, the managers are very understanding. You gain respect for sticking through your program, not everyone makes it, there is a high turnover rate. Be smart, sensible and safe but have fun.

I really am hoping I'd get one of my three mentioned interests! I heard from various alumni to make it very clean what you do/do not have an interest in during your interviews to better ensure you aren't placed somewhere you wouldn't like. I couldn't picture myself in any three of the "fields" you mentioned so I guess I'll tell them that in the best way that I can to better my chances in my favor.

You really have been incredibly helpful regarding my decision-making process. I am extremely close to my mother, and when I say extremely close I mean that. It's truly a closeness I don't think any other individual could fathom. While I can't imagine "leaving her" I do feel I need the experience to grow as an individual socially, mentally, and spiritually. I know it would be good for me, and this opportunity is perfect seeing as I adore Disney and have no desire to go away for educational purposes.

Is there anything you think I should know before going into this experience? I would appreciate any tips at all that you maybe wish you had known before you did the internship. Thank you again!!

 

[Musings]

I really am hoping I'd get one of my three mentioned interests! I heard from various alumni to make it very clean what you do/do not have an interest in during your interviews to better ensure you aren't placed somewhere you wouldn't like. I couldn't picture myself in any three of the "fields" you mentioned so I guess I'll tell them that in the best way that I can to better my chances in my favor.

You really have been incredibly helpful regarding my decision-making process. I am extremely close to my mother, and when I say extremely close I mean that. It's truly a closeness I don't think any other individual could fathom. While I can't imagine "leaving her" I do feel I need the experience to grow as an individual socially, mentally, and spiritually. I know it would be good for me, and this opportunity is perfect seeing as I adore Disney and have no desire to go away for educational purposes.

Is there anything you think I should know before going into this experience? I would appreciate any tips at all that you maybe wish you had known before you did the internship. Thank you again!!

In regards to being clean in terms of what you can't do, that is where your actual application form comes in. When it asks you no interest, low interest, medium interest and so forth, for any role you absolutely can't do and would be a deal-breaker, put no interest. I put no interest on custodial but during the phone interview they asked me if I would be interested in custodial. Make it clear if they ask you about a role you put no interest in on your application that you are consistent. Do not say yes or be hesitant, they are usually gauging because they need people in that role.

I am extremely close with my father but I am a very independent person, so is my father. The way I see it is we eventually all have to graduate, it is better to have this experience as a safety net, with people supportive, than to go out into the real world and have no such safety. You know you'll be going back home when the program ends, once the the real world starts, you don't have that same knowledge.

The program is what you make of it. People are extremely friendly, you just have to be willing to be open to the chances. Even when you're introverted, I suggest going out at least once a week and doing activities during your day off. Do not eat at your workplace, cook even if you're exhausted. It will save money for the bigger more important things you want to do. Make friends, make plans to go do things other than Disney.

If you do end up at Chatham, shop at Publix, not Walmart for food. There is a Walgreen's nearby too.

 

[princesskiki]

In regards to being clean in terms of what you can't do, that is where your actual application form comes in. When it asks you no interest, low interest, medium interest and so forth, for any role you absolutely can't do and would be a deal-breaker, put no interest. I put no interest on custodial but during the phone interview they asked me if I would be interested in custodial. Make it clear if they ask you about a role you put no interest in on your application that you are consistent. Do not say yes or be hesitant, they are usually gauging because they need people in that role.

I am extremely close with my father but I am a very independent person, so is my father. The way I see it is we eventually all have to graduate, it is better to have this experience as a safety net, with people supportive, than to go out into the real world and have no such safety. You know you'll be going back home when the program ends, once the the real world starts, you don't have that same knowledge.

The program is what you make of it. People are extremely friendly, you just have to be willing to be open to the chances. Even when you're introverted, I suggest going out at least once a week and doing activities during your day off. Do not eat at your workplace, cook even if you're exhausted. It will save money for the bigger more important things you want to do. Make friends, make plans to go do things other than Disney.

If you do end up at Chatham, shop at Publix, not Walmart for food. There is a Walgreen's nearby too.

I really appreciate all of your input and helpful information once again as I carefully make my decision. Do you know, how likely is it that I would get my choices for housing? I don't mind which complex I reside in (though Patterson might be my favorite and if asked for a first choice, I'd say so) but I really, really do not want more than a one-bedroom as I don't prefer to live with four or more other girls - I just couldn't picture myself doing so.

Also, does pay vary by what specific role you perform? Or is there a flat pay for all CP'ers? Do you have any idea what the pay is or what the payment range is, by any chance? Any estimated figure would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[BadDad]

Thanks for this. Short yet really touching. I really don't want to live my life with any more regrets than the ones I've already been carrying so that's been a huge aspect in my decision-making process. And I know I would regret it if I didn't apply myself, especially here.

My S did Spr Adv 2011 (and will be doing Spr Adv 2014)

Just prior to accepting the offer:

Him:"What if I do it and I don't like it"?
Me (Dad):"Well, you'll regret it for a semester"
Him: "But if I don't, I'll regret it for a lifetime"

BTW: Aren't you going to invite your mom/parents down for a vacation/vist? 40-50% discount on Disney hotels + 6 park hopper days with you!!!

I loved it when my S paid for my meals at DHS (he loved it too- at the time!

 

[Musings]

I really appreciate all of your input and helpful information once again as I carefully make my decision. Do you know, how likely is it that I would get my choices for housing? I don't mind which complex I reside in (though Patterson might be my favorite and if asked for a first choice, I'd say so) but I really, really do not want more than a one-bedroom as I don't prefer to live with four or more other girls - I just couldn't picture myself doing so.

Also, does pay vary by what specific role you perform? Or is there a flat pay for all CP'ers? Do you have any idea what the pay is or what the payment range is, by any chance? Any estimated figure would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

Keep in mind if your priority is 1 bedroom, then you won't have a choice of complexes. However, if you receive your first choice, you will either be Patterson, Chatham or The Commons. If you don't plan on bringing a car down, I would suggest Chatham. I have heard so many people complain about the fact the buses don't go to Patterson. They will not change the bus routes.

There is no way to guarantee you will get your choice, 1 bedrooms are sought after, but if you sign up online as soon as the application is on, you'll have a higher chance. First come, first serve. They open that up about a week before you arrive if my memory serves me correctly. I wish I could tell you there was a 100% guaranteed way, but there isn't. I wouldn't let this stop you from applying. Just see what happens. It takes a leap of faith sometimes for the program.

Pay rate for CP wages is low, don't expect to make a ton of money. It is between $8 to $12 and 1 bedrooms are $101 per week, or least that was the rate when I was there. The Commons is slightly higher iirc.

Attractions and so forth are on the low end, a lot of it depends on your location and you won't know that until you arrive. Your bare minimum wage will be $7.95. QSFB at MK for example makes more than QSFB at DAK. The high end of the pay scale is usually face characters only. There may be a scale somewhere but I don't remember it off the top of my head.

Merchandise, custodial, attractions are on the low end of the pay rate scale. QSFB is paid slightly more.

 

[princesskiki]

My S did Spr Adv 2011 (and will be doing Spr Adv 2014) Just prior to accepting the offer: Him:"What if I do it and I don't like it"? Me (Dad):"Well, you'll regret it for a semester" Him: "But if I don't, I'll regret it for a lifetime" BTW: Aren't you going to invite your mom/parents down for a vacation/vist? 40-50% discount on Disney hotels + 6 park hopper days with you!!! I loved it when my S paid for my meals at DHS (he loved it too- at the time!

Thanks once again - the words you've shared, though they have been few, have probably been the most profound. That conversation you spoke of has really resonated with me and made the scale tip further in the direction of me participating. Do you happen to know more about discount rates for family & friend visitors? Would I get into the parks free seeing as I am a CP?

 

[princesskiki]

Keep in mind if your priority is 1 bedroom, then you won't have a choice of complexes. However, if you receive your first choice, you will either be Patterson, Chatham or The Commons. If you don't plan on bringing a car down, I would suggest Chatham. I have heard so many people complain about the fact the buses don't go to Patterson. They will not change the bus routes. There is no way to guarantee you will get your choice, 1 bedrooms are sought after, but if you sign up online as soon as the application is on, you'll have a higher chance. First come, first serve. They open that up about a week before you arrive if my memory serves me correctly. I wish I could tell you there was a 100% guaranteed way, but there isn't. I wouldn't let this stop you from applying. Just see what happens. It takes a leap of faith sometimes for the program. Pay rate for CP wages is low, don't expect to make a ton of money. It is between $8 to $12 and 1 bedrooms are $101 per week, or least that was the rate when I was there. The Commons is slightly higher iirc. Attractions and so forth are on the low end, a lot of it depends on your location and you won't know that until you arrive. Your bare minimum wage will be $7.95. QSFB at MK for example makes more than QSFB at DAK. The high end of the pay scale is usually face characters only. There may be a scale somewhere but I don't remember it off the top of my head. Merchandise, custodial, attractions are on the low end of the pay rate scale. QSFB is paid slightly more.

Thanks, this has been equally helpful. I understood it wasn't a gross amount of income but hey, money is money, right? I think I'll fare well on figures like that seeing as I am only a college student and any money at all is golden for me, lol. Do I get to share my housing preferences during my interviews or no? Do I share which areas I'd prefer to work in during the interviews as well??

 

[brennicksmom]

I'd like to jump in and ask a question please... Are there other expenses besides rent? ie: cable, internet/wifi, gas/electricity, sewer, trash, etc? Do you cook at home and pack lunch for your work shift? Eat at parks?

 

[princesskiki]

I'd like to jump in and ask a question please... Are there other expenses besides rent? ie: cable, internet/wifi, gas/electricity, sewer, trash, etc? Do you cook at home and pack lunch for your work shift? Eat at parks?

Even though I've never participated in the program I do know that the rent fee covers cable, internet/wifi, etc. BUT there is NO television provided with the apartment so, if you want to watch TV you must bring your own/buy one when you're in Florida. The same goes with a laptop/PC. That much I do know

 

[jobro912]

The rent includes wifi, etc. The apartments are furnished including pots, pans, silverware, plates, etc. My son lived in a 3 bedroom with 5 other guys. I am pretty sure that only one of them cooked on a regular basis. I know my son bought groceries...maybe 3 times. He ate in the parks some. Other than that, I'm not real sure he ate much at all while there.

 

[Musings]

Thanks, this has been equally helpful. I understood it wasn't a gross amount of income but hey, money is money, right? I think I'll fare well on figures like that seeing as I am only a college student and any money at all is golden for me, lol. Do I get to share my housing preferences during my interviews or no? Do I share which areas I'd prefer to work in during the interviews as well??

Interview is for role preferences, housing is addressed later on once you have been accepted. You indicate your choices when they open up the form for you, which is about a week prior to your arrival date. You will be able to select an arrival date once an offer is made to you and you have paid the down payment (about $200-$300, pays your first 2 weeks of rent). You will want to have saved up for 2 weeks of food at least for when you arrive.

I'd like to jump in and ask a question please... Are there other expenses besides rent? ie: cable, internet/wifi, gas/electricity, sewer, trash, etc? Do you cook at home and pack lunch for your work shift? Eat at parks?

Cable is included with the rent. I will say wifi is not included. They have an eternet cable but obviously that is inconvenient. You will want to invest in a router, you only need one per apartment. I bought one on amazon for about $20. It is cheaper than the ones in the store, refurbished works fine.

Cooking at home depends on what their preference is. I worked late nights, it wasn't ideal for me to cook every night so I invested in lunchables or quick snack items. I would highly recommend against eating at the staff provided cafeterias, a lot of people got food poisoning and their food isn't the greatest nor the cheapest. It will eat through your money quickly. The parks aren't bad food wise but they're expensive. There are some discounts but they're not a lot and not enough to warrant buying daily. I usually brought food from home and cooked on my days off. I would bring a snack or two to work as well a bottle of water. I would eat before I headed off to work and eat larger meal once I arrived home. Saved me money and time. It varies from person to person.

 

[Badamon]

subbing

 

[princesskiki]

Interview is for role preferences, housing is addressed later on once you have been accepted. You indicate your choices when they open up the form for you, which is about a week prior to your arrival date. You will be able to select an arrival date once an offer is made to you and you have paid the down payment (about $200-$300, pays your first 2 weeks of rent). You will want to have saved up for 2 weeks of food at least for when you arrive.



Cable is included with the rent. I will say wifi is not included. They have an eternet cable but obviously that is inconvenient. You will want to invest in a router, you only need one per apartment. I bought one on amazon for about $20. It is cheaper than the ones in the store, refurbished works fine.

Cooking at home depends on what their preference is. I worked late nights, it wasn't ideal for me to cook every night so I invested in lunchables or quick snack items. I would highly recommend against eating at the staff provided cafeterias, a lot of people got food poisoning and their food isn't the greatest nor the cheapest. It will eat through your money quickly. The parks aren't bad food wise but they're expensive. There are some discounts but they're not a lot and not enough to warrant buying daily. I usually brought food from home and cooked on my days off. I would bring a snack or two to work as well a bottle of water. I would eat before I headed off to work and eat larger meal once I arrived home. Saved me money and time. It varies from person to person.

Regarding transportation and going to sites located off of Disney property I actually have a few questions. Do busses come to the complexes that will go to stores such as nearby food stores, Walmart, shopping malls, etc? For example, I am a big fan of Whole Foods Supermarkets and was wondering if busses went to the Orlando location, which I know is very close in proximity to WDW resorts? Or would I have to find other means to get myself there? If so, how would I go about doing this? Does anyone have personal experience with going to stores located off Disney property?

Thank you.

 

[Pancakes]

Regarding transportation and going to sites located off of Disney property I actually have a few questions. Do busses come to the complexes that will go to stores such as nearby food stores, Walmart, shopping malls, etc? For example, I am a big fan of Whole Foods Supermarkets and was wondering if busses went to the Orlando location, which I know is very close in proximity to WDW resorts? Or would I have to find other means to get myself there? If so, how would I go about doing this? Does anyone have personal experience with going to stores located off Disney property?

Thank you.

There are busses that will take you to walmart, publix, the mall, and the post office. There's a trolly on international drive that can take you to nearby attractions, and the shopping outlets are within walking distance from patterson, chatham, and the commons. i've also seen people walk to publix, but it's kind of a long walk. the bus won't take you to whole foods. there is one sort of near by.... I think in Dr. Phillips? Can't really remember. It's probably a 20 minute drive. You'll probably make some friends with people with cars. I had a car and I gave many people rides to walmarts and other places. People also call taxis, but that's really expensive. It's easier just to find someone who's going, or offer somebody a little bit of gas money to take you.

 

[Musings]

There are busses that will take you to walmart, publix, the mall, and the post office. There's a trolly on international drive that can take you to nearby attractions, and the shopping outlets are within walking distance from patterson, chatham, and the commons. i've also seen people walk to publix, but it's kind of a long walk. the bus won't take you to whole foods. there is one sort of near by.... I think in Dr. Phillips? Can't really remember. It's probably a 20 minute drive. You'll probably make some friends with people with cars. I had a car and I gave many people rides to walmarts and other places. People also call taxis, but that's really expensive. It's easier just to find someone who's going, or offer somebody a little bit of gas money to take you.

Not sure where you're getting the walk to Publix is a long walk. It is faster to walk to Publix than it is to take the bus if you live at Chatham, Patterson and The Commons. Publix is the last stop on the Walmart bus route, it is much faster to walk there than ride the entire route just to get to Publix. The apartment complexes have wagons you can rent as well. I always walked to Publix as 1) the buses started up after I had to be on my way to work 2) I could never get to Walmart and back to catch my bus on time. A Walmart round trip might take 2 hours, Publix was more convenient for me as they open at 8 am I believe and close around 11 PM. There is also a 24/7 Walgreen's and a 7-11 by Publix. There is a Chinese place there I would eat after doing my groceries as a treat.

Publix is only about 3-4 blocks from housing. Just make sure it isn't raining on you. I started walking towards Publix and was drowned one time. I just took my coat off in the store and walked around, then went back out in the rain.

There is a trolley on international drive and by Vista. So you could take a bus over to Vista and wait for the Trolley there. Alternatively, you can invest in cheap taxis to take you to Universal. I invested in a pass, there are other alternative methods that you'll find out once there.

There is a bus that goes to the Florida Mall once a week, that day of the week depends on the month. If you need a ride to the malls, best plan is to find someone with a car and split the cost of gas. I did without a car though and survived.

 

[Mahwah]

My daughter just finished the college program. She was there August 20th through Jan. 3rd. She couldn't wait until the program was finished. She was counting down the days right from the beginning and wanted to come home. We told her it was only for 4 months and she needed to suck it up. She did not like the way Disney treated their college students. They are very strict! She had to miss 3 days of work at the beginning of November because she had the flu, strep throat and mono. Even with a doctor's note, she still had points against her. On Thanksgiving day, she was in a car accident on her way into work. Some stupid tourist ran into the side of her. Thankfully she was ok. She was 15 minutes late into work that day because of the accident and her manager said to her, "We are glad you are ok, sorry you were in an accident, but you will still get points against you!". She also was taking a class on line through her university, but had to drop her class because Disney wouldn't work with her. In order for my daughter to pass this class, she had to attend a 4 day writing seminar 4 hours away from Disney. Since it was in December, Disney would NOT allow her the days she needed off. She LOVED the people she worked with. She lived with 7 other girls and at times it was very difficult, but they all managed to work through it. Now that the program was over.....my daughter is very SAD! She LOVED living in Orlando so much that she decided to transfer schools and is now attending University of Central Florida. She has made so many friends from all over the world and misses them very much. She never thought she would feel this way. Today her very last friend from the Disney College Program flew back home and she feels all alone. School starts this week, she starts her new job tomorrow so I think things will get better from here. She is going to school for resort & hospitality management and after she graduates, she would like to do a professional internship with Disney at Disneyland and eventually get into the wedding department and be one of Disney's wedding planners! Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[Musings]

My daughter just finished the college program. She was there August 20th through Jan. 3rd. She couldn't wait until the program was finished. She was counting down the days right from the beginning and wanted to come home. We told her it was only for 4 months and she needed to suck it up. She did not like the way Disney treated their college students. They are very strict! She had to miss 3 days of work at the beginning of November because she had the flu, strep throat and mono. Even with a doctor's note, she still had points against her. On Thanksgiving day, she was in a car accident on her way into work. Some stupid tourist ran into the side of her. Thankfully she was ok. She was 15 minutes late into work that day because of the accident and her manager said to her, "We are glad you are ok, sorry you were in an accident, but you will still get points against you!". She also was taking a class on line through her university, but had to drop her class because Disney wouldn't work with her. In order for my daughter to pass this class, she had to attend a 4 day writing seminar 4 hours away from Disney. Since it was in December, Disney would NOT allow her the days she needed off. She LOVED the people she worked with. She lived with 7 other girls and at times it was very difficult, but they all managed to work through it. Now that the program was over.....my daughter is very SAD! She LOVED living in Orlando so much that she decided to transfer schools and is now attending University of Central Florida. She has made so many friends from all over the world and misses them very much. She never thought she would feel this way. Today her very last friend from the Disney College Program flew back home and she feels all alone. School starts this week, she starts her new job tomorrow so I think things will get better from here. She is going to school for resort & hospitality management and after she graduates, she would like to do a professional internship with Disney at Disneyland and eventually get into the wedding department and be one of Disney's wedding planners! Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

It is what you make of it. I'll admit I didn't have the greatest time when I was at the DCP but in hindsight, now that I have been home for a semester, it was a great experience.

It is a real work experience and it is true you get sick quite often and they will not make an exception. As for the doctor's note, the reason you'd want a doctor's note is they have a one time exception where if you miss 3 days to 4 days you can roll those 3-4 points into 1 point. You can only do this once during your program and you need the note. You also have to take the note to Health Services. It is difficult not to get a point but I knew of CPs who went to work with pneumonia.

As for getting days off - you need to put those requests in as soon as you arrive. Disney doesn't work with any classes that aren't Disney classes. They expect you to have full availability when you go, so that is not entirely shocking. The fall program would be harder to get days off than the spring semester as it is their busiest season and they have far more holidays. People have already put in their requests for days off since a year ago. CPs have the least seniority and thus their requests for time off have lowest priority.

 

[Pancakes]

Not sure where you're getting the walk to Publix is a long walk. It is faster to walk to Publix than it is to take the bus if you live at Chatham, Patterson and The Commons. Publix is the last stop on the Walmart bus route, it is much faster to walk there than ride the entire route just to get to Publix. The apartment complexes have wagons you can rent as well. I always walked to Publix as 1) the buses started up after I had to be on my way to work 2) I could never get to Walmart and back to catch my bus on time. A Walmart round trip might take 2 hours, Publix was more convenient for me as they open at 8 am I believe and close around 11 PM. There is also a 24/7 Walgreen's and a 7-11 by Publix. There is a Chinese place there I would eat after doing my groceries as a treat.

Publix is only about 3-4 blocks from housing. Just make sure it isn't raining on you. I started walking towards Publix and was drowned one time. I just took my coat off in the store and walked around, then went back out in the rain.

There is a trolley on international drive and by Vista. So you could take a bus over to Vista and wait for the Trolley there. Alternatively, you can invest in cheap taxis to take you to Universal. I invested in a pass, there are other alternative methods that you'll find out once there.

There is a bus that goes to the Florida Mall once a week, that day of the week depends on the month. If you need a ride to the malls, best plan is to find someone with a car and split the cost of gas. I did without a car though and survived.

I had a car so I never had to walk. Seemed long haha

 

[Ebiten]

My brother did the program last year and he enjoyed it. He roomed with four other guys and besides being not so cleanly, they were alright. My brother cooked at the dorms and ate out. He liked to go to the employee cafeteria to eat or went to Subway. When he came home he brought back so much stuff it's hard to find a place for it all, which he bought most of it at Company D. When we went to visit him we were able to go to Company D and WDI with him and got some nice stuff ourselves . My brother often took the bus to Disneyland and back to the dorms. We have relatives near there so he was able to get rides to get groceries but it's not hard to take public transportation to get groceries every now and then. I say do it so you don't regret it like I know one person who did and told me often she wish she didn't when my brother joined the program.