A Magical Internship

By Kelly Rowe-jones

Two UPIKE Bears had the opportunity to experience the magic of Disney with a glimpse behind the scenes. Grace Maynard and Morgan Thompson said the Disney College Program was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that gave them unforgettable memories and invaluable career development.

For Thompson, a nursing student from Pineville, Ky., the internship allowed her to expand her horizons before beginning her studies at UPIKE’s Elliott School of Nursing.

“I didn’t have any more basic classes left to take before I got into nursing school,” said Thompson. “So, I applied online to the Disney College Program.” Thompson said the application process was like that of many other job opportunities. After the acceptance of an initial application, there is a web-based interview where applicants are given scenarios to talk through solutions and the final part of the process is a phone interview.

During her experience at Disney, Thompson said she learned many life skills to build upon her resume, but more importantly she was able to build upon her character.

“I learned so much while being at Disney, but my number one lesson is that it’s always better to put others before ourselves,” said Thompson. “At Disney you do everything in your power to create magic and give it to those who deserve it.”

At Disney you do everything in your power to create magic and give it to those who deserve it.

Morgan Thompson, Pineville, Ky.

Thompson was even able to inspire a future Disney College Program participant while on the job. After meeting a family from Kentucky in the park, Thompson learned that their daughter had just been accepted into the program. Thompson said the student was hesitant to go so far from home but with Thompson’s encouragement, she decided to accept the opportunity.

“She hugged me and thanked me for being such an influence in her decision,” recalled Thompson. “I hope that we can keep in touch to see how well she does in her program this coming fall. I loved that experience and it is something I’ll never forget.”

Grace Maynard, Prestonsburg, Ky.

Maynard, a communication student from Prestonsburg, Ky., echoed that the lessons learned during the magical experience will continue to shape her for the rest of her life. It all began from the moment she stepped on the property for orientation.

“Orientation at Disney is unlike anything I have ever experienced,” said Maynard. “Disney goes above and beyond to make sure their cast members feel welcome and secure.”

Maynard said from day one she was learning and growing in ways she least expected.

“I learned so much about patience and being kind to others,” said Maynard. “This place is magical, but sometimes people can be very difficult and I’ve learned to just take a deep breath and speak kindly to those who may not be kind in return. Spreading kindness has so much power.”

Aside from gaining skills from a Fortune 500 company, the program allows students to enjoy all the excitement and adventure of Disney during their free time. For Maynard, any time she wasn’t working she was enjoying the magic of the legendary theme park.

“I literally spent almost every moment I had off of work in the Disney Parks,” said Maynard. “I can’t get enough of being in these parks and seeing magic happen every single day!”

When asked what advice she would give students considering this experience, Maynard’s response is simple yet impactful:

“Do it! It is such an incredible experience. There are so many opportunities here and you will meet the best people in the world.”