“You’ve been accepted into the Disney College Program,” are words I didn’t think I’d ever see. But in the summer of 2024, a few weeks after returning home from another academic year at Utah Tech University, there they were.
Before I share how I ended up working at Walt Disney World, I need to take you back to the beginning and why every student should participate in a semester abroad.
It was at Disneyland that I first dreamed of working for The Walt Disney Company. I’d heard about the Disney College Program in high school, and the thought of combining work with the magic of Disney seemed like the perfect opportunity. So, when I saw an opportunity later in life, I knew I had to apply.
Fast forward to April 2024. I was at a point in my academic career where everything seemed to be going good. I had good grades, a position at Sun News Daily and a bright future ahead of me, but I needed a break. I had heard about study abroad programs and internships being advertised as “life-changing,” and I’d seen how they were talked about with excitement by students both on campus and online.
So, when I saw the DCP applications were closing, I thought, “Why not?” I applied on a whim, unsure of what the outcome would be. I don’t know if it was the lack of sleep or the third Dr. Pepper in my system, but I knew I had to take a leap of faith. I honestly never thought I’d be accepted into a program with only a 20% acceptance rate.
When I got to Orlando, I was a bundle of nerves, to say the least. I was alone, about to start a new job, meet new friends and live thousands of miles away from home. But as I took that first step to Disney World, I realized something that’s stuck with me: Take the leap, even if you don’t know where it will lead you. I could have stayed in my comfortable routine, never venturing outside my “normal.” But by taking the chance to be in an unfamiliar place, I grew in ways I never thought possible.
The same holds true for students who study abroad, immersing themselves in a new culture, living in a new environment and building relationships with people from around the world. Employers value candidates who’ve demonstrated adaptability, cultural awareness and resilience—qualities you can only gain by studying abroad and living somewhere new.
One of the biggest lessons I learned working at Disney World was how powerful it is to take a step into the unknown. If I had never made the decision to go to Disney, I wouldn’t have met the people I now call family. The growth I experienced wasn’t just professional—it was personal. Being employed by Disney, one of the world’s most iconic companies, which is so dear to my heart, was an experience like no other. Some days were tough, but the rewards made it all worth it.
I remember wearing my name tag with Utah Tech University proudly displayed alongside my name. It was an emotional reminder of where I came from and what I represented. I wasn’t just working at Disney; I was also representing my home and school.
Every time I helped a guest create a magical memory, I knew I was part of something bigger. It wasn’t just a job. It was a chance to make a lasting impact on someone’s life, and that’s something you don’t get to experience every day.
So, whether you’re considering studying abroad or applying for an internship, I encourage you to take that leap. College is a time for growth, adventure and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. You’ll gain valuable skills, make lifelong friends and have experiences that will shape you into the person you’re meant to become.
When you immerse yourself in a new environment, you discover new ways of thinking and new perspectives on life. You meet people from all over the world, hear their stories and find common ground in the most unexpected ways.
During my semester in Florida, I made some of the best friends I could ever ask for. The people who I didn’t know five months ago are a part of my life, and I couldn’t see it any other way. We shared our first Christmases away from home, celebrated life milestones and supported each other when things got tough. Saying goodbye to them was harder than I ever imagined.
The memories I made in Disney World—the people watching on Sunset Boulevard In Hollywood Studios, eating Mickey Bars after work and enjoying rides in Magic Kingdom—will always hold a special place in my heart. Studying abroad or doing an internship gives you memories you will cherish forever. You never know who you’ll meet, what new experiences you’ll have or how much you’ll grow as a person. Every day was filled with something new.
And if you’re still unsure, here’s my word of advice: Take the leap. Whether it’s a semester abroad or an internship, you’ll never regret stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. It will be hard. You will have days that feel like you can’t go on, but it is worth it. You’ll discover more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
Internships and programs like the Disney College Program or studying abroad are more than just academic resume builders; they’re life-changing opportunities. These programs expose you to new perspectives, cultures and challenges that help you grow as a person. Whether it’s studying in a different country, or, like me, working at the most magical place on earth, these experiences set you apart in a competitive job market. Employers value students who have taken the initiative and have stepped outside of their comfort zone.
The Disney College Program has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I experienced so many highs and lows I wouldn’t change it any other way.
The truth behind it all is this: You won’t want to leave. Saying goodbye will be harder than you think, and that’s the beauty of it. The people you meet and the experiences you have will shape you in ways you never imagined. My time in Florida was one of the best things I’ve ever done, and I wouldn’t change a single moment.
So, if you are looking for a change, a new opportunity or a place to grow, find a study abroad program and wait for the moment to change your life. A study abroad program isn’t just a resume builder; it’s a chance to discover the world and find yourself in the process.
