The Inspiration Behind My Disney College Program

"If you can dream it, you can do it." -Walt Disney

Young Sawyer with her father, on PeopleMover ride at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World

This quote by Walt Disney himself has guided me through the entire application process, and follows me through my career. My inspiration to apply for the Disney College Program starts with this idea.

Thanks Dad!

"Life is about making memories with the people you care about" -B. Cameron

Thanks to my dad, I adopted his love for Disney. My family and I visited Walt Disney World every year, if not twice a year. It was always important in my family to vacation together and experience life in each other's company. Our happy place was Disney World, a place we could enjoy ourselves, as well as visit family friends who were local. This made it easy to keep returning, as we looked forward to visiting with them after our long days in the parks. From age ten, I started really paying attention to the cast members who were running the show. Questions turned into conversations, and conversations turned into learning experiences.

Interned Cast Members

My mom always pointed out the cast members with the universities on their name tags. That was when I learned about the Disney College Program. They spoke highly of the internship, explaining that I could be in their shoes. Just shortly after joining a university, I could be working in the happiest place on earth.

After every trip, I watched YouTube videos online of influencers experiencing their program. Check in days, Apartment set ups, Traditions, training, and of course all the fun that came with it. Watching from their perspectives helped me realize this was truly a program for me.

Inspiration

I was always inspired by artwork, specifically Disney Sketch artists. I was always up at the counter, watching the artists draw sketches of the classic and newest characters. They would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I explained I wanted to be in their shoes. They always encouraged me, but later down the road I changed my path. I took these connections with me as my path changed, and met with artist Greg McCullough multiple times, as well as learned that my sister in law’s cousin is Alex Maher, head of all sketch artists in Disney World. These connections inspired me more, and I began my goal of joining the Disney College Program.

My Beginning

Through the end of my high school career, I met with representatives from Maryville University, explaining my goals. Once I learned they would help me reach my goal to all capacity, I applied and was later accepted. From then on, communication was made with all advisers to assist me in my application for the Disney College Program. After 2 semesters of working hard on grades, and preparing my resume for application, I awaited the application period.

Thanks to my family, influencers, cast members, and advisors, I felt fully prepared to begin my career at the Disney College Program.

Follow along with my experiences and journey on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sawyersgotadream!