| Kent Slocum's Official Newsletter | January 2019 |
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What the Future Holds Dear Reader, The 2019 Holiday Season threw me unceremoniously into the new year and a completely new decade with barely a chance to catch my breath. However, during the month of January 2020, the Lord has blessed me with both inner peace and time to reflect upon the years ahead. I've been asking Him for guidance for what is coming up next, and I'm not scared. One thing I know for certain: no matter where He is calling me, I will be an important part of His plan. Speaking of plans, I enjoy creating cohesive plans for things that seem to be dysfunctional or sub-optimal. Next month, I'll be highlighting some of my "fan fiction"--alternative takes on popular media franchises. However, I know that all of you have a lot to do in this new year. That's why I'll keep this newsletter brief, covering just the three most important events of this past January: My one-year anniversary with the Walt Disney Company, the grand opening of the brand-new Rise of the Resistance attraction, and my most important New Year's resolutions. May the Lord bring you peace in the new year! -Kent |
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"Be a warrior when it comes to delivering on your ambitions. And a saint when it comes to treating people with respect, modeling generosity, and showing up with outright love." - Robin S. Sharma - |
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Legal Disclaimer The views, information, and opinions expressed in this newsletter, as well as those sources linked within this newsletter, are solely those of the individuals and author involved and do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy or position of any other entity whatsoever with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated. This includes any agency, organization, employer or company and their employees. Assumptions made in this newsletter are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the author - and, since I am a lucid, critically-thinking human being, these views are always subject to change, revision, and rethinking at any time. Please do not hold me accountable to them in perpetuity. |
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"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give." - Eleanor Roosevelt - |
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Well, I've done it...I've officially been working for the Walt Disney Company for an entire year (specifically in the Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products Division at the Disneyland Resort). Perhaps the reason it is so incredibly difficult to wrap my mind around such a simple, straightforward fact is that the last year has been neither simple nor straightforward. I've gone from a Retail Host in Tomorrowland during the Spring Disney College Program to a Gatherer in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. I suppose I could best summarize my feelings with one word: grateful. I am so thankful for all of the opportunities, support, and patience that my family, friends, fellow Cast Members, and Resort Leadership Team have given me as I advance my career. |
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"You know, you don't have to look like everybody else to be acceptable and to feel acceptable." - Fred Rogers - |
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At the service anniversary celebration, I not only got to take a photograph with Mickey Mouse himself, but I also received my one-year pin for my "normal" nametag (the one I use everywhere except for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge). After this, service anniversaries will be celebrated every five years (if I stay with the Walt Disney Company for that long!). It's exciting to imagine what the Lord will do this year! |
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"I dwell in possibility." - Emily Dickinson - |
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A Breathtaking Experience |
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Despite the excitement of entering a new decade, one event absolutely overshadowed all else this January, and will probably dominate discussions for the entire year of 2020. What is this event, you ask? Well, I'm glad you asked! On January 17, 2020, the Disneyland Resort officially unveiled a brand-new, state-of-the-art E-ticket attraction in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Called "Rise of the Resistance," this breathtaking attraction is not a ride; it is an event, and adventure, and an experience all rolled into one. Since the identical version in Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios Park opening last December, we were all eagerly counting down the days and hours until ours opened. |
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"I have an almost complete disregard of precedent, and a faith in the possibility of something better." - Clara Barton - |
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It was incredibly generous of the Disneyland Resort to permit Anaheim-based Cast Members to preview "Rise of the Resistance" before the official opening date. The Cast Previews ran for an entire week, and I was lucky enough to experience the attraction for myself on a beautiful, sunny Batuuan day. The popularity of the resort's newest attraction was clear; the cast event was almost completely booked! |
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"Turn your obstacles into opportunities and your problems into possibilities." - Roy T. Bennett - |
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My adventure began with a brisk walk through the Batuuan forest outside Black Spire Outpost, where lush plants and a rushing waterfall transitioned into an extensive underground cave system currently used by a covert team of Resistance fighters. The caves are considered sacred by local villagers, but it looked like the Resistance had been careful not to touch the gravesites. Before I knew it, I had been recruited to participate in a top-secret mission. Unfortunately, our mission was suddenly interrupted by none other than a squadron of First Order TIE fighters and a powerful tractor beam. We were trapped between two massive Star Destroyers, defenseless in outer space! |
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"It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership." - Nelson Mandela - |
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"Create the things you wish existed." - Unknown - |
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As our rag-tag team of Resistance sympathizers was marched out of our transport shuttle onto the Star Destroyer and into the custody of the First Order, I inquired of the presiding officer: "What is the name of this vessel?" Without hesitation, the officer sternly replied, "you are aboard the Finalizer." I wisely remained silent and hurried along. |
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"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend." - Martin Luther King, Jr. - |
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"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible." - Tony Robbins - |
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As I enter the new year and the new decade, I felt it appropriate that I resolve myself to reduce some of the clutter in my personal life, in order to have a fresh start. With physical and spiritual clutter mostly taken care of, I have turned my attention to digital detritus. In less than a month, I have managed to entirely clean out one of my inboxes. Only five hundred+ emails to go! |
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"If you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston S. Churchill - |
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My second New Year's Resolution was born out of a tragic series of events. Late last year, several close family friends passed away. Then, my grandfather died early this year. Thankfully, I was able to fly back to Eugene this past month in order to attend the funeral and spend some time with family, coping with the grief and sadness. As a result of these losses, I have resolved to never take for granted any interactions with others. Even if it is just a brief conversation with a fellow Cast Member in a breakroom or a phone call with one of my siblings, I will savor every moment, because it just may be our last moment together. This isn't being tragic; it's being loving. |
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"Leadership is not about title or a designation. It's about impact, influence and inspiration." - Robin S. Sharma - |
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