Working in Neverland
Stephanie Harms, a senior theatre major, has been living a storybook life as a tour guide at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Fla.
From May 2007 to January 2008, Steph took off a semester from school, while still earning class credit, to become a part of the Disney College Program. She now has a seasonal position and also worked in Orlando during winter and spring breaks.
Steph is part of "The Great Movie Ride" attraction, which consists of moving animatronics. It runs through movies such as Mary Poppins, Alien, and The Wizard of Oz. Steph's job is to take her audience through the 22-minute tour, and recite a 60-page script.
"It only took me three days to learn the script," she recalls. "Being a theatre major, I'm great at memorization." However, the job can be a bit exhausting. After working for more than 60 hours one week, Steph developed laryngitis.
While working at what she considers one of the greatest places on Earth, Steph has gained a lot more self-confidence. When asked what her favorite part about working at the resort is, Steph simply replied, "Everything!
"I've met people from all over the world, from as far away as Brazil and Australia, and learned about their cultures." Making these new friends and talking to different people every day has strengthened Steph's public speaking skills as well.
Steph, who hails from Worcester, Mass., keeps her internship close to her heart by being a Disney College Program campus representative. Through e-mails, fliers, and interest meetings, Steph tries to recruit students for Disney so they, too, can share in her memorable experiences.
Along with the Disney College Program, she has several other extracurricular activities. Steph is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre honor society. She has also actively involved in the theatre program at LC. Her favorite productions included Viewsby Mrinalini Kamath, which she directed in fall 2008, and Rodger and Hammerstein's Oklahoma, in which she performed.
"Lynchburg College, especially the theatre department, has given me opportunities that I wouldn't have had at a larger school," she said. "I've learned and grown a lot during my four years at LC."
After graduation in May, Steph's primary goal is to move to Florida and continue working as a tour guide at Walt Disney World, where she hopes to be promoted. "I would love to work at Walt Disney World the rest of my life," she said. "It would be great to stay in Neverland, and never grow up!"
--by Melissa Jennings '12
