How did you learn about this internship opportunity?
I learned about this opportunity from an e-mail sent out by the Career Center. I have always had the possibility of working for Disney in the back of my mind since I was a kid, but I never really thought about that possibility until finding out about the College Program.

What does your job entail?
On a day to day basis, I bring the wonderful magic of Disney to life for many people as a character. At Disney, you are so much more than just a costumed character. You mean the world to so many children and adults as well. Many people have grown up loving their favorite character, and when they finally get to meet you, their dreams become a reality. Being able to create that magic for so many people is special in so many ways, and it has been such a life-changing experience.

I have also been taking two courses: the Disney Practicum and the Finance Professional Development Series. In the Disney Practicum I have had the opportunity to explore corporate culture and find out about what has given Disney its competitive edge and success. In the Professional Development Series, I worked with a team in creating a hypothetical Disney resort and developing a pro forma for it. We even got to present the logic and financial analysis behind our resort to a team of Disney executives. I have also gotten the chance to network with different finance directors and managers. The many learning opportunities here have definitely been unique!

Can you tell us about your participation in Junior Achievement and how you have kept in contact with your class while away on your internship?
Last semester, I taught Junior Achievement to a first grade class at Johnson Elementary. We had such a wonderful time together, and I really feel that they learned a lot from the program. All of the kids were so excited when they found out I was going to be working at Disney World. I am currently in the process of sending them a letter about my experiences, many pictures, and a special note to each of them from their favorite characters!

What is your favorite part about the internship?
Disney is solid in its values, vision, and mission, and it is so concerned about its guests and clients. The impact each of our cast members is able to have on people from all over the world is absolutely incredible. Each day, I experience at least one magical moment, both in and out of character. My most memorable moments have been with terminally ill children that are able to come thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I will never forget the first little girl who was sick that I saw in character. She had cancer, was in a wheelchair, and was already bald from chemotherapy treatments. She was so adorable and was having the most wonderful time with us as we laughed and played together. I looked over at her mom, who had tears running down her cheeks. Times like those have really helped me realize what life is about. I am so blessed to have had the chance to be a source of inspiration for so many people. This has really been a very enriching and fulfilling opportunity, and I have experienced so many life-long memories.

What have you missed the most while you have been away from Aggieland?
I have made so many new friends and absolutely loved everything about A&M. I don’t think I could go to another university and be as happy or satisfied with what they have to offer. Texas A&M is so much more than just a university, and the people, the tradition, the organizations, the education, and the values we stand for make it a very unique and extraordinary place. We really are a family, and it already feels like my home away from home. When I tell people how much I can’t wait to be back home, I am talking about Aggieland. It is hard to hear about all of the events and experiences I am missing back home, but I wouldn’t trade my time here for anything. It has also been very exciting to meet fellow Aggies down here as well, and we all talk about how lucky we are to attend such a fine and exceptional university. I will be very excited to be back!