Case Studies
- Christopher Loudon
- Christopher More
- Heather Price
- Julia Baum
- Dayna Guay
- Daniel Booth
- Emma Louise Flood
- Helen Baker
- Lorin Adams
- Laura Hannah
- Umair Iqbal
- Kurt Anthony
- Rachel Perry
Kurt Anthony
When You Wish Upon A Star
Okay, call me crazy, but every couple nights after my final interview for the 2009 International College Program I wished on a star that I would get a role at Walt Disney World. Well, dreams really can come true! A week later I was offered a Lifeguarding role. In all honesty, this program has been the best experience of my entire life. More than ever before I am known as "The Disney Guy" because it's pretty much all I talk about! It's not just a job - it's so much more. It's the way you feel about what you are doing. When you wake up after a night out with new friends and are excited to go to work the next morning and make a difference in someone's day.
I have so many amazing memories from working at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, I could probably write a book about them. I never expected to meet so many amazing people, either. I formed relationships with people which I know will last a lifetime. Since I've returned to Canada I've seen my new best friend every single month, along with countless other close friends I met while working for the Mouse. I really loved the fact that this program brought people together. You may be thinking, how am I going to live with someone from another country?! My roommate was from France and I had friends from across the world, but I realized it all came down to one thing - we're all the same. We may be separated by languages or oceans but everyone struggles with the same issues and though we may come from different places, we can all relate.
Not only was my job amazing but my entire living experience was, too. In fact, I never thought I would miss it this much. I think I started crying with 2 weeks left in the program and didn't stop until about 2 weeks after I got home! Disney became my life, and while it is still a large part of it, leaving behind friends and my life in Florida was one of the hardest things I've had to do. The experience changed my life and I'm a better, stronger, more outgoing, enthusiastic person because of it. Every time I look at one of the 3000 pictures I took, I get a little emotional because even the worst day at Disney is better than a good day at home. The International College Program truly is the experience of a lifetime! This may begin to sound like a cheesy infomercial, but I've already applied for a second program and I suggest you apply as well. Trust me, it will be the best decision you ever make. Oh, and when you make it to that final interview, just remember to wish upon a star!
