Grand Gatherings - Team Jack Skellington

I have a friend who became a team leader and I am very proud of him. His name is Travis and is as precious as a person can get. Always makes me laugh (Avenue Q songs are my favorite) and is never in an ill mood. Here's a little back history...

When I came back from maternity leave during my first tour of duty, I immidately went into Worldphile training (that's what they called it - I call it six days, including a property tour day, and then thrown back on the floor. Not a bad thing, just different from the six weeks and two tours I just went through). Once on my new team, Simba's Pride lead by a wiz of a leader Franklin, I was given a mentor buddy. Introduce Travis, stage left. His stage name is Ashby - this is important for later so please make note.

Travis taught me everything I know today and has been a major influence on my Disney life. When I had heard that he made it to a leader position I don't think I could have been any happier had it been me. He gives his all and totally believes in what he does, just like I do. If it is done incorrectly, he will take care of the guest and then QC the agent who messed it up without a second thought.

A few weeks ago he came over to say hi and catch up. He came up while I was on a call with another agent and passed the time by talking to Joe (my "ex" leader as of Sunday). They were listening in and having a great time. He even told Joe that he taught me all he knew and was so proud - Joe owes his team success to him because of me.. see, he's precious. Once I completed the call he referred to me as "Ashby-light". This is because since he became leader, "Ashby" rarely makes an appearance and therefore I have channelled my inner Ashby and am carrying on the torch.

To some this is just a cute comment, to me it is a major compliment since I do look up to him and have learned so much. Now, forward to tonight...

Travis was MOD tonight and came down the hall after the queues were cleaned and hollered out "Ashby-light". Naturally, I turned around. I smiled and said to hey to him... he's southern too so he knows that "hey" is a warm greeting. During our conversation we starting talking about me going over to the dark side (aka - Grand Gatherings, parties of 8 or more traveling to WDW resorts). He said that they are going to make another round of recruiting calls in a couple of weeks or so and he wanted to know if it was alright to come steal me for his team.

How cool is that? My mentor wants me on his team and thinks that I would be a beneficial member of the GG community. I was so touched. I think I will do it because of his influence and he really believes that I will excel over there.

I know Travis wouldn't stear me wrong so everyone keep an ear out for "Ashby-light" over in the far end of the building because if he calls, I'm gonna come a runnin'.