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Christopher White

2005 Walt Disney World® Ambassador

I'll never forget driving my overloaded car down Interstate 4 through Orlando for the first time. It was January 1997, and I had never driven so far away from my home in South Carolina all by myself. By the time I arrived at Vista Way, I was almost convinced that there was no way I could be successful on the Walt Disney World College Program.

But, things started to turn around for me very quickly. First, I met some truly great friends. I became a Merchandise Host in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom® Park. In fact, I was having so much fun that I didn't want to leave when my program ended in May.

I applied for and received a Management Internship* in Magic Kingdom Merchandise at the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., for three months. That summer, I learned a great deal about leadership in one of the busiest retail locations in all of Walt Disney World!

After another year of school, I returned as a temporary salaried manager at the Emporium and was able to build on the knowledge I had gained the previous year. I also met more amazing friends; one of them would become my wife four years later!

The self-confidence I gained while at Walt Disney World inspired me to search for new opportunities. After graduating with a degree in mass communications in 1999, I spent a summer overseas working with children's assemblies in Wales. I then became an Admissions Counselor at my school, Winthrop University. I traveled all over the Southeast talking to students. While that was a great experience, nothing was quite as exciting as working at Walt Disney World.

So, in 2000, I moved back to Orlando, hoping to get another great role at Walt Disney World. I was fortunate enough to get a management position back at the Emporium!

While serving as a Retail Guest Service Manager, I also became a member of the Magic Kingdom College Program Leadership Team. I even recruited for the program as a Trip Partner and Cross-U Recruiter.

In the fall of 2004, I was lucky enough to be selected as one of the 2005 Walt Disney World Ambassadors. I have had some amazing opportunities. Representing Walt Disney World in the 2005 Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day was certainly one of the greatest experiences in my life!

Certainly none of the great experiences that I've had here would have happened if I had given in to the fear of the unknown on that first day. So, go for it! Be brave, have fun and learn all that you can. The Disney College Program can be the journey that changes YOU as well!

Christopher White
2005 Walt Disney World Ambassador Team

* "Advanced Internships" and "Management Internship"s are now called "Professional Internships". Additional information is available here.

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