As my internship ends, I reflect on the events of my summer at Disney with accomplishment. As a student athlete, it has been my first full-time position (not dribbling a basketball). My desire was to work with creatives and understand the business of art.

Disney is an amazing company to have on my resume as I move from college to the working world. Learning that I am good at building professional relationships, even though the work was less than stimulating, is a good skill set to enhance. My coordinator has urged me to apply for a coordinator position because they loved my work ethic and people skills. It is a nice compliment but I want to finish college and focus on a more creative endeavor.

My focus on safety did provide and appreciation as an artist of many challenges that will arrive as I continue to pursue installation art. My mind constantly raced about creative elements in the park but had no exposure to the “creatives” I would hope to encounter at Disney.

I did meet a former Stetson University Women’s Basketball Player who was coming through the line at Buzz Lightyear. She played for the prior head coach but I invited her to come to a game this fall. From the one line on my nametag, I never expected that to happen.

I will continue to come to the Parks as an annual passholder with my family but have a very different perspective on the operations and the work behind the magic.

I am looking forward to my return to studio classes, basketball and a very hectic senior year. However, more importantly I learned I am really quite amazing. I am an intelligent, well-spoken leader among my peers. I can do anything that I set my mind to and I always bring the magic.