This week marks the 3rd year anniversary of the start of my Disneyland College Program. If you haven’t heard my college program spiel, here it is in a nut shell: DO IT. the Disney college program was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It not only was an opportunity to work at the happiest place on earth, but it taught me more about myself than anything else I’ve ever done. As if working at Disneyland wasn’t enough of an experience, I made some of the greatest friends anyone could ask for as well. All in all my experience exceeded my expectations and I encourage every person to apply and participate in the college program.
When I talk to anyone about DCP I always tell them about the experiences I had and the friends I made, and what I did while I worked there, but I tend to leave an important part out. DCP was the reason I chose to go into PR, and pursue the career I am currently pursuing.
When I started college I knew in my heart that I wanted to work for Disney. I loved it and that was my end-game goal. With that being the goal, I figured that the department that would get me closest to that was recreation and tourism. Since Central had a distinguished tourism program I started on my pursuit of my Disney career.
During my freshman year I saw posters all over campus about a Disney College Program presentation coming to our school and I knew I had to be there. So I went to the presentation and immediately went back to my room and applied. A few days later I had my interview, and a few weeks later I got my offer for a spot in the program. During this time I was taking the intro class to the rec and tourism program. I thought that when I took that class I would feel at home and feel like I found where I was supposed to be. Instead I got feelings of doubt and starting thinking that maybe this wasn’t what I was supposed to do.
The reason I wanted to be a part of the Disney College Program and why I wanted my end-game to be with Disney was so I could create the memories I had as a child, for other children. Disneyland was a place that I could think about and feel happy. I was fortunate enough as a kid to be able to go to Disneyland quite often. I had lot of memories that always brought a smile to my face, and I wanted to give that to other families. That was my goal. As I started to see with tourism, they cared about the money side, not necessarily the magic making side, but I still kept going with my tourism degree.
As I spent more time at Disney I realized more and more that I wanted to be someone that shares other people’s magic moments, and create the Disney image for other guests and people around the world. That’s when the idea of the Communication Department popped into my head. I figured I would just get a com minor and be good to go. I went back and forth in my mind even after I got back to school on what I was going to do. I filled my schedule with tourism classes, and decided I would just try out the com 189 class just to see what they were all about. And thank goodness I did because it changed my life.
As soon as the PR representatives came and spoke to my class I knew that’s what I was supposed to be doing. I quickly signed up for more com classes and I immediately felt at home. It wasn’t work for me, okay, maybe it was for some projects and assignments, but I did get enjoyment out of it. I then switched my major in tourism to a minor in recreation (which is a whole different story) and decided on a major in public relations. Now that I am about to start my final internship and graduate with a B.A. In Public Relations I am grateful that I made the switch because I am about to rocket myself into a career that I can honestly say I love. I am excited for all the opportunities that are out there for me and all the adventures that come with it.
Looking back three years later, I don’t know if the Disney College Program was the reason I switched over to PR but ill give it the credit. Why not? It has given me so many other blessings and memories in life, might as well just add this to the list.
