A magical experience

I noticed some posters around school and my curiosity was piqued. I learned that presentations are given at different colleges and universities and so I decided to attend the presentation at Triton College just to see what it was about. As I was about to leave, the recruiter stopped me and I decided to do the interview. Words do not suffice how glad I am that I stayed. Nothing could have prepared me for the unforgettable experience I was to embark upon. Participating in the Disney College Program internship was unforgettable in every aspect. The friends made, the relationships cultivated, the information and knowledge gained from the leadership class and work place really were priceless. Age was not a factor. After all, everyone is a kid at heart and what better place to let that inner child out but at Disney. Apartment life was great; it was very similar to a dorm except there was much more space. Each apartment houses two to eight roommates. The earlier that one arrives, the better the chances to receive the apartment that one prefers. Co-ed apartments are not permitted but your neighbors may be the opposite sex. My roommate was older, had two daughters and was going through a divorce. It was an escape from the real world for her. She let out her inner child and we had a lot of fun. She did most of the cooking; no complaining here! She learned a lot from her Disney experience and I learned a lot from her and her relationships. Hence, this program benefits all ages. Being someone who had never worked for anyone before was unnerving. Friends always expressed their frustrations about the workplace and the issues that arise. I was somewhat hesitant at the prospect of working for an iconic company such as Disney. Big companies and corporations have a tendency not to be viewed as warm and friendly. I loved it! Disney is a first name company, meaning that coworkers and superiors are addressed by their first names, which provides an atmosphere of comradeship. Employees are not referred to as coworkers but as cast members; cast members become family. There was no petty jealousy or underhanded betrayals. No one feels like an outsider. Everyone is welcomed and free to ask questions or ask for assistance from anyone at anytime. Disney stresses the importance of networking. Important skills such as multitasking, customer service and problem solving, among others, are valuable skills learned. Cast members are able to make magical moments for the guests and those moments are priceless. No one can ask for a better introduction to the work force. The leadership class from the exploration series was informative and fun. The class took field trips, played games and watched films; all having a meaningful purpose and lesson from which to learn. That particular class taught different leadership styles and skills. The teachers are available to meet with, either walk-in or by appointment. One is free to meet with any professor no matter what class they teach. There are also various learning centers that may be frequented as often as one wishes. Everywhere one looks there is a place to cultivate new friendships. What is absolutely wonderful and possibly exclusive to Disney is the fact that it is a “salad bowl” unlike other places in the United States. Cast members are from all over the world. They speak more than one language, some three to five. That is very impressive! One is immersed in an endless array of cultures and Disney is a company that celebrates those differences among its cast members. Participation in the Disney College Program is incomparable to any other experience, not to mention there are additional benefits. Cast members have free rein to enter the parks whenever they desire, plus some additional passes for family and friends. The cast receives discounts all over Disney and at many other establishments. For instance, ordering pizzas for 50 percent off and skydiving at a discounted price. While in Florida at Walt Disney World, or Disneyland in California, there is still a whole state to enjoy. It is important to remember that what one gets out of an experience is what one makes of it. My experience was simply MAGICAL.