Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The Magic of My Role

"Disneyland is the star, everything else is in the supporting role."
-Walt Disney

My role in the Disneyland Resort is nothing but gratifying. I am fortunate to see smiling faces and happy families through a lens everyday in extraordinary locations. I love being able to capture the magic...

Why I Wanted to Work for Disney: My Favorite Memory

I have constantly been asked by my fellow cast members "Why do you want to work for Disney?"

...As a child, my family surprised my sister and I with a trip to Disney World. My only desire was to meet Princess Jasmine and Aladdin (no surprise there...) I remember meeting my favorite princess wearing my Jasmine shirt, hair tie, necklace, socks, etc. I simply adored her.

When I met her, I lit up. Princess Jasmine told me that she was going to wave to me (which I thought meant just me) at the parade that afternoon. And that she did... During the parade, Princess Jasmine waved to me atop the Aladdin float and I was overwhelmed with excitement. This made me believe in the magic of Disney. And this is why I wanted to be a part of the magic...

"Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood"
-Walt Disney

Final Post

Wow, I cannot believe that almost four months have passed. It seemed like yesterday that I left Quinnipiac to travel to sunny California and work for my childhood dream job. However, now it seems so real. I find myself comfortable with my role, with my fellow cast members, my responsibilities, and my new life out here. Disney has helped me grow and I am so grateful. I have definitely noticed a growth in maturity and individuality. Living on my own away from my family has taught me wonderful life lessons

I have truly enjoyed writing this blog. I am so thankful that I will be able to look back on my blog entries and remember my amazing experience. They allowed me to reflect on my time here and I think that is so valuable. Also, the blogs that I have written are a timeline of my growth here as well.

As an Interactive Digital Design major and Fine Arts Studio Track minor I have taken the skills I have learned and applied them to my photography. Because I understand composition, color theory, and have an artistic eye, I was able to use these skills to benefit my experience. Also, I have learned time management, proper writing, and work ethic at Quinnipiac University. Because of these skills, I was able to simply balance my homework from Quinnipiac and the College Program as well as working forty hours a week. I have also acquired valuable skills here at the program that I am excited to apply at my return in the Fall.

The Disney College Program has truly helped me assess my future career goals. Working with professionals and having the opportunity to work for such a renown company has motivated me to think about my career and what path would work best for me. As a freshman, I strived to be an animator or a storyboard artist for film. I was determined to master Maya as well as Flash and After Effects. However, I have thought more about it and now want to work as a graphic designer for a print design company. Instead, I am forming more of an interest in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Writing these blogs and evaluating my goals truly helped me narrow down my opportunities for a career. I am hoping to gain experience with a new internship in the fall. I now strive to work in New York City for such companies as Serino Coyne and Marvel.

Lastly, I am so grateful and thankful that I am a participant of the Disney College Program. I have learned so much about myself and about my future career paths. This opportunity has motivated me to do as much as I can to achieve my potential career.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Week Five

Since I began the Disney College Program, I have found an unbelievable growth in myself not only in work ethic but personal as well. I have never lived too far from home before and now I am 3,000 miles away. It has made me grow as an individual and taught me how to live on my own and mature. Also, working 40 hours a week and going to school both through the College Program and my University at home has truly taught me time management. I feel very independent and proud that I am able to enjoy work and maintain good grades.

Also, working at The Walt Disney Company has made me look at the idea of work in a different perspective. I have worked since I was 16 but never with such enthusiasm and joy. I love being a Photo Pass Photographer and having my role fall under the umbrella of such a prestigious company is so rewarding.

As a Junior in college, I feel like I have accomplished so much. I have interned at Time Inc. and The Walt Disney Company. I feel that this internship has truly made me evaluate my future career goals. I have arranged my schedule next year so I can hopefully intern at Serino Coyne Inc, the company that designs many famous Broadway Production Posters, or Marvel in New York City. My internship has influenced me to not settle and to strive for my goals. This experience will be most beneficial to my future career because of the impact it has had on me. Disney has taught me not only to work hard, but also to enjoy what I do.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Week Four

Working out in California for such a respected company has truly changed my perspective. Because I have such a hectic schedule between my forty hour work weeks and taking classes, I find myself more determined to learn and take advantage of my time at Quinnipiac University. I have been researching internships for the fall.

I have been researching careers that would be best suitable for my skills. Working for Disney and being inspired by professionals has made me think of the best area for me. As a freshman in college, I knew I wanted to be an animator. I was determined and thought that would be my career. However, now I am considering a career in print design and visual development.

I have also learned so much about Photography. I find myself photographing the characters much faster and finding better ways to photograph the iconic locations. I have also memorized the different settings for the different locations throughout the park, something I have struggled with from the beginning. Learning the camera is a great opportunity because although I knew how to edit photos and compose them, I am now learning the other side. I love my job and am so grateful for this experience.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Week Three

After working at the Disneyland Resort for almost a month, I find myself becoming more comfortable not only with the camera, but with being a Disney Cast Member as well.

My average day involves clocking in, conditioning, roll call, and then shooting. Disney requires us to do stretches and conditioning before every shift, enabling us to avoid injury. As photographers, we are constantly moving to get the best angles. After stretching, we continue on to roll call and are informed of all the changes, events, and need to know information of the park about the upcoming day. Our “lead” lists our locations and instructs us to prep our cameras. With this process, we have a half an hour to be at our location.

Normally, our shifts are 8+ hours for 5 days a week. I love working because everyday I remind myself that I am able to go to Disneyland five days a week. “We work while others play…”