By Victoria Addison
Sports Editor
For Michele Tesoro, spring semester has been filled with the kind of magic that can only be found in what many refer to as “the happiest place on Earth.”
Tesoro, 19, is participating in the Disney College Program, an internship that allows students to work in the different parks and resorts at the Disney World complex in Orlando, Florida. The program helps participants to earn on-the-job experience in a variety of different fields.
For Tesoro, the program runs until May 29, but she has the option of extending her stay through the summer months until August 7.
“I’ve had a connection with Disney World since my first trip, when I was four,” said Tesoro. “When I found out about the program, I knew it was something I wanted to do because I love the company and the overall atmosphere of Disney World.”
Saint Rose does not offer credits to students who wish to participate in the program, meaning Tesoro had to apply independently. Originally from Lagrangeville, New York, she is currently a sophomore early childhood/special education major.
“There’s a very unique feeling that I get when I visit Walt Disney World,” Tesoro said. “Working for Disney opens a lot of doors, since it is such a well-known corporation.”
The internship is paid, meaning participants are required to work full-time. The program offers more than 20 employment positions for interns, both indoors and outdoors, across the four different parks. Tesoro was placed in Outdoor Foods at Animal Kingdom.
“My job is basically working at the kiosks that sell quick service food, and I also work at the ice cream carts,” she said.
Apart from the working component, the program offers the opportunity to take a variety of classes that correspond with student interests. The available classes, which are structured much like those offered at a college or university level, are tailored to provide students with information that is applicable to their assigned work location throughout the parks and resorts.
Although she had the option to enroll in classes, Tesoro felt she was too busy with her work schedule to do so.
As for her living arrangement, Tesoro shares an apartment with five other girls who are from all over the United States. The apartment is provided by the program, but money is automatically deducted from the girl’s paychecks each week to cover the cost of rent.
Besides the employment experience, perhaps the biggest benefit of working for Disney is being able to spend free time in the parks.
“My favorite thing about working for Disney is definitely my days off,” Tesoro said. “I have complimentary park hoppers that get me into the parks for free. I can go into any of the four parks and I am treated as a guest, just like everyone else.”
For Tesoro, her free time is filled with the many activities that make Disney so special.
“It’s so cool to spend my days off from work in Magic Kingdom, meeting Mickey Mouse, and riding all of the attractions.”
Despite the fact that not all schools allow students to participate in the program for credits, Tesoro says that the opportunity is worth the time for those who are interested.
“Although it is really hard work, this program is worth every minute. I’ve only been here for about three weeks and I have already made so many memories and met a lot of great people,” said Tesoro. “When I learned that I could work at the place that makes dreams come true, I knew that it would be a great experience.”
