Dreams Come True

One of the greatest joys in life is a dream coming true. You can see it on the faces of children when they meet their favorite Disney character or finally get to train to be a Jedi.

As adults, we often stop dreaming. Instead, we set goals. They’re a bit more attainable, practical. Don’t be fooled, we’re still dreaming and wishing on proverbial stars. It’s like Princess Tiana’s father said, “that old star can only take you part of the way.”

Three years ago I started feeling particularly unmotivated. I was a sophomore in college and had just returned from a year on the Disney College Program. All of my friends were a year ahead of me, upperclassmen preparing for their senior year, and I had only just determined a major. I felt out of the loop and like nothing that I was doing was toward a goal.

So, I changed my perspective. I sat in my tiny dorm room in Joyner Hall and looked at Disney Professional Internships. I found one that I loved, printed it and taped it to the wall. I highlighted the skills needed and experience preferred and promised myself that I would try to gain experience in everything before the spring of my senior year.

Flash forward to 2018 and I was no longer unmotivated, but I was about as anxious as anyone could ever be. I poured over writing samples, wanting everything to do ‘just right’ for Disney.

When I applied for the Disney College Program, all I could do was listen to Disney songs, but now I avoided them. My parents, ever the unconditional cheerleaders, told me I had nothing to worry about, but I was aware of the stakes. You see, the issue with setting such a specific dream so far out is that you put all the eggs you want into one basket. Sure, you apply for other jobs, but there’s only one that you really want.

Long story short, I got that internship. Starting this June, I will be the Executive Communications Intern for Walt Disney World. No, I can’t believe it and yes, I am unbelievably excited. I’ll be moving to Orlando to work with the Executive Communications team to write correspondence, make presentations, maybe write a speech or two, and develop communication strategy. I’ll fill you in more once I’m down there.

I want to take a second to thank everyone who has supported me in working toward my dream these past few years and the Executive Communications team at Disney for taking a chance on me. I can’t wait to work with you!

See ya real soon,

Annie