Before and After

Tuesday July 19,

Lets back track here just a little bit for those of you that have not heard the story on how all this came to happen. I have just completed my first full year of school, at NVCC (Nova Community College) in Annandale VA. where I am studying Hospitality/Hotel/restaurant as a major. In Feb,'05 the spring semester my advisor announced that Disney would be on campus holding a recruiting seminar for interns. H.R. (my professor/advisor) has a way of looking at you as he lectures, and makes announcements with a certain: "This means YOU should attend" look in his eyes. Taking the hint I figured; heck I have nothing better going on my calendar that day so I threw on a shirt, and neck-tie; then grabbed a seat,to listen to what turned into an extremely interesting presentation.

The history of Disney is a cool read: corporate.disney.go.com/corporate/complete_history.html

It was this, and the dynamics of the organization that really captured me. I was in total awe during the short film clip presentation, followed up by a Q&A where the two representatives were able to answer just about every question put to them with-out hesitation. Then they introduced two people who had just completed their first internship @ Disney World Orlando,http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index
this young man, and young woman could not say enough about the experience and how enriching it all was, not to mention they had already made plans to go back for a second internship before completing their degree work.

So enough about them, back to me; I decide to hang around and speak to one of the recruiters mono e mono,if only to get my own personal take on what kind of smoke would be blown up my pant leg. Was I in for a surprise, after waiting 2 hours for my name to be called (second to the last on the list)I take a seat with the recruiter; not only is she professional,but so much for the "Disney happy smiley I had too much coffee today" persona. This young woman was all business 100%. There was no grilling or drilling, just straight forward questions with straight forward answers expected. This all lasted for just little over an hour,when in conclusion she mentioned the "advanced internship" program,but no follow up to what the "program" was. The last thing I recall her saying was:
"Thank you for taking the time to sit with me and talk, expect a telephone call within 2 weeks to arrange a more indebted telephone interview"
I shook her hand and went home to my family and job at U.S.Airways, and didn't really give it another thought.

Not another thought until, two weeks to the date the phone rang;I answered and was greeted by Jeff from Disney's Advanced Internship Program. That interview went well,and another was scheduled for two weeks later. Again the phone rings, its Debbie of Human Resources Disney Advanced Internship Program,and yes that interview went very well. Paper work was needed of course, I had to track down transcripts,and all manor of documentation regarding my self and my history from almost 15 years back and expedite it to the appropriate address'.

On April 15, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. I answered the phone call from Jeff, I will never forget his words:
"We interview hundreds of students, for advanced internship positions,these positions are limited to only a few...we would like to offer you a position here with us at Disney Advanced Internship program Hilton Head Island Resort starting July 25,2005"...."Hello Sam are you there?"

I remember telling myself to breath, and without hesitation excepted his proffer. I have not stopped smiling since.a