Dreams Do Come True for BU’s Abby Gasperson
Bluefield University student Abby Gasperson’s lifelong dream to be a part of Disney World is finally coming true as she recently accepted an offer to join the Disney College Program.
Gasperson, wanting to get into Disney film making and creative directing, thought that the Disney College Program would be a great way to get her foot in the door. Since she was a little girl, Gasperson said she has loved all things Disney.
“I grew up watching The Little Mermaid and Bambi and fell in love with the High School Musical movies,” Gasperson said. “My parents took me to Disney World when I was a few months old, so I’ve loved it ever since I was in diapers.”
Gasperson learned about her acceptance into the Disney College Program this summer and began the paid internship program at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, this fall. She said she is very grateful for the opportunities that the program has given her.
“This experience has been truly amazing and eye opening,” she said. “I would also say it’s been a moment of self-discovery and reflection. It’s made me think about what I want my future to actually look like and redirect how I want to pursue my career of hopefully becoming a film maker and creative director.”
The Disney College Program provides college students with valuable work experience, as well as career and professional training, to set each student up for later success. Gasperson said she has also enjoyed being introduced to many different people, languages, and cultures.
“I have made friends and worked with people from Haiti, France, New Zealand, England, Hawaii, and various other parts of the United States,” she said. “I think this experience will help me go further in my future through the connections I have formed in the company and through the guest interactions as well as the communication skills I have developed.”
While the hours are long and the days are draining, Gasperson said the experience is well worth it.
“I would definitely say it’s a great experience, and you learn a lot about the Walt Disney Company,” she said. “The joy that comes from knowing that I get to create magical moments for kids (and adults) every day makes it worth it.”
Gasperson added that she highly recommends the Disney College Program to any interested students.
Photo courtesy of Abby Gasperson and the BU Office of Public Relations (bluefield.edu).