Farewell Haunt

As most of the true Haunt fans and monsters know by now, Knott's Haunt department has changed management and therefore, has changed its policies as well. All street monsters were required to audition to claim their streets positions. I felt that my audition went really well and I had a lot of energy, but I could only commit to 3 days a week due to my heavy work schedule (taking classes to get to vet school aint easy!). As a result, I was declined my streets position. I was angered and disappointed by this news, especially since I have given so much of myself for that park. I was a year round entertainment employee for many years doing scenic painting and prop fabricating/installation, so to be canned by the people that have known me for more than 5 years now was a painful blow. I cannot express how deeply I am hurt by all of this. There are many other reasons why this has affected me so much, but those will not be disclosed. All you need to know is that I have my reasons for being so angry about this and they are completely justified.

When I was first red-carded, I admit I did not take it well and did not try to hide it. Now many rumors have been spread around about me ranging from things like my audition sucked and I was not a good monster, all of which are not the case, to things like I am so angry at what happened that I have given away all of my Haunt stuff and stormed off to Universal. Everything you have heard is false. I am not going to Universal. This was going to be my last year anyway because, God willing, I was planning on being in vet school next year which would mean I would most likely not even be living in this state, let alone have the time to work Haunt. As for the giving stuff away thing, I did sell my knee pads because, obviously, what do I need them for now? I don't exactly do sliding in my normal every day life. I felt they should go to someone who would get the most use out of them. And I gave away some t-shirts to my best friend, but we exchange clothes ALL the time and I gave her shirts other than Haunt shirts as well. I simply had way too many shirts that I had collected over the years and I didn't wear all of them. I kept my favorites and have good memories tied to them. I am simply trying to move on with my life. Haunt has been such a big part of my life for over 5 years now, that if I don't try to separate myself from it, I will just keep hearing about it and it will continue to make me sad about not working. It is really tough when you immerse yourself into something to the point when 95% of your friends are from your job, your social life revolves around your job, and you fully commit to it 1 month out of the year, then are suddenly not working that job anymore. Haunt is not just a job, it is a lifestyle. And how to you quit a lifestyle? I also need to put my focus 100% on school right now and even just hearing about Haunt gossip and rehire stuff is just an unnecessary distraction that I don't need. I do wish all of my fellow Haunt monsters a good and safe run, and I hope that they will scare once for me. I loved working with everyone and I will miss my friends terribly. I had a great experience working Haunt and I wouldn't trade it for the world!