I have definitely not updated enough recently.

But I am sick. Sick as a dog. I called in today and slept until 4 in the afternoon, so I have been extremely lazy. So here’s some info about what to do if you’re too sick to work during your college program!

Try your best not to call in sick for 3 or more days within a 30 day period. They will give you a point on your record for that, and those are not good. HOWEVER, for CPs, there is a sort of “get-out-of-jail-free card” that will allow you to miss more than 3 days and only get one point for all of it if you get a doctor’s note.
You do not get anything leading up to a point if you are sent home early from work for being sick! So as much as they tell you to not come to work sick, it’s better to go there and see how you feel then call in.
If you have called in, DO NOT GO TO THE PARKS, even if you feel better later in the day. You will be terminated and it will not be pretty.
And this should be a no-brainer, but don’t call in if you aren’t sick. Calling in so you can get a day off or hang out with friends or go to the parks (see above) will result in termination. Some of my coordinators have talked about CPs that have called in sick, then later gone to their attractions as guests.

Pre-emptive measures are important too! Unfortunately, getting sick is a fact of life when you work at Walt Disney World - you see thousands of people a day and come into contact with lots of dirty things and illnesses. I very rarely get sick but I have already been sick TWICE since arriving for my program (almost exactly one month ago). Here are good (and occasionally really obvious) tips for staying well.

Drink lots of water. You will be given a water bottle during training. Keep it filled, clean, and at your side at all times!
Use alcohol-based sanitizers and/or wash your hands frequently. At my job, there are sanitizer dispensers everywhere but I know that probably isn’t true for all roles. Carry some hand sanitizer with you or wash your hands whenever you can if you don’t have ready access to sanitizer.
Eat well! Even though it’s difficult on a small paycheck and with sometimes rough hours, try your best to keep a balanced diet. Your body will thank you.
Get some sleep. I know it may be tempting to go out and party or play in the parks every time you aren’t working, but remember to get as much sleep as you can. It can be so easy to get run-down here, and you have to be able to pace yourself and use self-discipline to keep yourself in functioning order.
If you feel yourself getting sick, try taking some dietary supplements that boost your immune system such as zinc or echinacea. Orange juice and other foods and beverages with high vitamin C levels will also help out.

Healthy days to all! :)

02/24/12