Life Update!

Life Update

September 5th, 2023

September has just begun, and the transition from summer to fall also marks a new evolution in my design career journey. These last few months have been a whirlwind of activity. After finishing my time at SCAD in March, I decided to take my last summer as a college student to participate in the Disney College Program. Over the past four months I have been working at the Magic Kingdom in attractions operations. I was placed at Winnie the Pooh and the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, and it was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. During my time at Winnie the Pooh I learned so much and met so many amazing people; I also sweated more than I thought physically possible. I discovered what makes a world famous institution like Walt Disney World run from the inside out, and it was an unforgettable experience.

While on my program, I was able to take advantage of the learning and career growth opportunities that Disney provided. I participated in career readiness lectures such as Resume building 101 and Interviewing Skills.

I also attended four events that explored the backstage areas of attractions. These events were titled Discover Disney opportunities. Of the four I did, my favorites were the ones that showed the inner workings of Expedition Everest and Flight of Passage (I have recently developed a major appreciation for Animal Kingdom). We were taken to the backstage area of these famous attractions and shown how they worked and the history behind their themed environments. Climbing 14 flights of stairs and seeing the inner support structure to Expedition Everest was something I never imagined I would be able to do.

I also took a five-week-long class called leadership 101, where I learned more about what Disney looks for in leaders and how to become better at organizing groups of people. In this class we discussed listening styles, the different types of leadership, and even got the chance to talk to leaders from around the Walt Disney World Property. After this class concluded, I earned my Mousekers, an honorary degree that Disney awards those who have enough learning hours logged. None of the learning events I participated in felt like a traditional academic environment; every program I went to was just like taking apart your favorite toy as a kid to see how it worked!

(My friend Theresa from Germany! I met her while in the leadership class)

Now for the exciting news! About halfway through my college program I applied and was interviewed for an internship opportunity. I loved my time at Winnie the Pooh, but I was extremely interested in getting back into my field of design work. I was so happy when I was accepted as a new Production Design intern within Walt Disney Imagineering. Most kids who grow up going to Disney dream about one day seeing how the parks are created, and it is amazing that I get to be a part of the team that brings those ideas to life!

(My first day as an intern! They took all the new interns to ride Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in Epcot)

I just finished my second week of my internship, and I could not be any happier with where I am. Everyone, both on my College Program and now in my internship, have been so welcoming and made me excited to go to work everyday. I am soaking up all the knowledge I can, and giving all of my best ideas and skills to the projects I have been assigned. Everyday is a new adventure in the Imagineering department, and I am excited to continue my journey with a company I have loved so much ever since I was young.

On a fun side note: My family has been visiting me in turns for the time I have been here. It is so fun to show them the new things I have discovered since I moved in. I am excited for a big portion of my family to come down to visit for my 22nd birthday in October!

(My brother and his fiancé, my parents, and my sister/best friend)

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