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Put Education First: Monsters University

May 24, 2013 By Lena

I had been checking my mailbox for weeks; pacing back and forth, waiting for the mail carrier to arrive. Sometimes, I’d meet her down the street – impatiently inquiring if she had anything for me, my stomach twisting in knots as she ransacked her mailbag. After rooting around for what seemed like hours, she’d look up at me with a expression of pure pity, and say, “Not today, Lena.”

Crushed, I walked back to my house, wondering how I could make it through the next 24 hours. Surely it would arrive tomorrow.

I was waiting for a big package; one that would be bursting at the seams. I had pinned years of hopes and dreams on this; I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t function until I knew either way where fate would take me. I refused to be recklessly confident and yet I knew my chances were extraordinarily good… so, I waited.

And then, the very next day, it happened.

As I leaned against the mailbox for support, I caught sight of the mail carrier as she turned the corner. She had a glorious grin from ear-to-ear and in her hands, was clutching a thick, heavy package. As we made eye contact, I broke into a run, a little bloom of hope growing inside of me. Within seconds I pulled up short in front of her, gasping as I tried to catch my breath – “For me?”

“For you,” she replied with a smile, unshed tears glistening in her eyes.

Grabbing the package, I tore it open right then and there. Inside, I found several forms, many little booklets, but it was the single sheet of paper at the very top that caught my eye:

Dear Lena,

You’ve Been Admitted to Monsters University. 

The Monsters University Admissions Office have asked us to extend an invitation for an exclusive “campus tour.” M.U. students Mike Wazowski, James P. Sullivan (plus more misfit monsters) invite you and your loved ones to see a sneak peek of Disney-Pixar’s “Monsters University” (@MonstersU) on Saturday afternoon, May 11 at the AMC Theatres at Downtown Disney! (If you want to scream now, it’s o.k…the monsters actually like it.) This sneak peek is compliments of our pals at Disney-Pixar (@DisneyPixar).

Sincerely,
Dean Hardscrabble

I couldn’t help it – I cried with relief. I had waited for this letter for four long years. Four years of hitting the books, churning out content, and late nights spent at the computer instead of hanging with friends and family. Four years of building my credentials, networking among peers, and making sure I always stayed true to myself and my followers. And now, it had finally paid off.

Hugging my mail carrier, I skipped back home, eager to dissect the entire package. After carefully creating three piles – forms, brochures, and important dates – I pulled out a DVD entitled “Monsters University: Your First Year”. Eagerly, I popped it in my computer and waited for it to begin.

Sigh. THIS is what life is all about. And I was ready for it. With shaking fingers, I e-mailed Dean Hardscrabble to confirm my spot in the campus tour. With wonder and delight, I realized that I would soon be a student at Monsters U.

– TWO WEEKS LATER –

I’m back from my tour, and I can officially say that it was everything I hoped for – and more.  I was riveted the entire time; screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, it is a day I’ll never forget. In fact, when Monsters University is in session on June 21st, you just know I’ll be first in line! I had a chance to meet Mike Wazowski (he’s so cute!) and James P. Sullivan (I’m a little scared of him)… and all their friends in the school’s elite Scare Program. After taking the tour, I have never been more certain that I have found my people; the place where I belong.

Throwing caution to the wind, I signed up on the spot. I am officially a student at Monsters University! Here’s some photos from the tour – enjoy, and STAY SCARY!

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Disney Social Media Moms Conference, Disney-Pixar, family movies, Monsters University

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Allie

    May 24, 2013 at 10:05 am

    KITTY !!!!!!!

    • Lena

      May 24, 2013 at 11:26 am

      Hahaha YES! Kitty is there – no Boo though :(

  2. Anne Taylor

    May 24, 2013 at 11:55 am

    What a brilliant experience! How much fun you have Ms Lena! lol

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:38 am

      I do! I do have lots of fun! And it was a great experience. Thanks Anne :)

  3. Debbie Bashford

    May 24, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Love these guys

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:39 am

      You will LOVE the movie Debbie!

  4. Lisa H

    May 24, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    So…..did you gain the freshman 15? lol! =D

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:40 am

      Hahaha I *think* I gained the freshman 3-4, but that’s mostly wine, ha!

      • Lisa H

        May 28, 2013 at 11:22 am

        Ahhh, well that’s just ‘water’ weight – doesnt count! :)

  5. mrdisco

    May 24, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    sounds like fun!

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:40 am

      You’ll have to see the movie, Mr. Disco!

  6. Flora M

    May 24, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    The jelly monster has reared his ugly head here (maybe I should pack him off to Monsters U. to learn some manners). This is going to be a definite see and then buy the DVD/BluRay for a refresher course ;)

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:41 am

      Hahaha the jelly monster – I’m sure he’s already a student at Monsters U! Let me know how much you love it when you do see it :)

  7. Soozle

    May 24, 2013 at 7:23 pm

    Oh, Lena :-) You are way too adorable :-)

    Congrats college gal!

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:41 am

      Thanks Suzie! Higher learning is a good thing!

  8. Debbie Bashford

    May 25, 2013 at 11:59 am

    cracked up at the freshman 15 comment!

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:41 am

      :) Me too Debbie!

  9. Heidi C.

    May 25, 2013 at 10:36 pm

    What fun! I am just as excited as my girls for this movie!

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:42 am

      Your whole family will adore it Heidi! Just a few more weeks, so excited!

  10. Crystal Wonitoy

    May 26, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    lol, i can’t wait to see this movie!

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:43 am

      It’s sooo good, the best movie I’ve seen this year!

  11. Caryn s

    May 26, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    Looks like you all had such a fun time!!!

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:43 am

      We did! It was amazing Caryn, thank you!

  12. Victoria Ess

    May 26, 2013 at 11:28 pm

    Haha that was really cute! This blog post is seriously the best advertisement out there.

    • Lena

      May 27, 2013 at 8:44 am

      So awesome of you to say, Victoria! Muah!

  13. Marissa

    May 28, 2013 at 8:36 am

    Looks like you guys had a real blast! Love your MU student I.D. card.

    • Lena

      May 28, 2013 at 3:46 pm

      Thank you Marissa, we did! :)

  14. Judy C

    May 30, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Looks like you had a great time! Can’t wait to see this movie!

    • Lena

      June 8, 2013 at 12:14 pm

      We had a scary good time :) Thanks Judy!

  15. christine

    June 8, 2013 at 8:01 am

    I love this post! Love how you write as though you are talking to a girlfriend! Adorable student card, btw! Can’t wait to see the movie!

    • Lena

      June 8, 2013 at 12:14 pm

      Thanks so much Christine! xo

  16. Bonnie Way

    June 14, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    Great post!!! I’m so excited about Monsters University – feels like they’ve taken FOREVER to make a second monsters movie. :) Only one more week until it comes now!!!!

    • Lena

      June 16, 2013 at 9:01 am

      Countdown is on!!! Your whole family will love it Bonnie!

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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