DSU student turns classroom knowledge into real-world experience at Disney
Delaware State University sophomore Nevaeh Terry turned her lifelong passion for Disney into a professional development opportunity through the Disney College Program, applying skills learned at DSU while gaining hands-on experience with one of the world’s most recognized entertainment companies and building connections with people from around the globe.
A Middle School Education major from Dover, Delaware, Terry participated in the program at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, where she gained insight into the company’s operations, participated in educational programming and developed skills that will support her future career.
The Disney College Program provides college students with opportunities to gain practical experience within The Walt Disney Company while participating in educational and career development activities. The program introduces participants to the teamwork, organizational practices and professional standards involved in operating Disney’s theme parks and resorts.
Terry first discovered the opportunity when Disney College Program representatives visited Delaware State University. Having dreamed of working for Disney since childhood, she was eager to apply and thrilled when she learned she had been accepted.
“I’ve always loved Disney, and working there has been a mini dream of mine,” Terry said. “When I got accepted, I literally cried because I couldn’t believe one of my dreams had come true.”
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Terry worked at Satu’li Canteen, one of the park’s popular dining locations, where she gained experience across several areas of daily operations. Working in a high-volume environment allowed her to strengthen her ability to manage competing responsibilities, collaborate with colleagues and adapt to the demands of a major entertainment destination.
Her experience extended beyond her daily responsibilities through educational classes offered as part of the program, providing additional opportunities to develop professionally while learning about Disney’s workplace culture.
Terry credits her education at Delaware State University with helping her approach the experience with confidence and an appreciation for connecting with people from different backgrounds. As a Middle School Education English major, she is preparing for a profession that requires effective communication, patience, adaptability and the ability to engage individuals with different perspectives. Her experience at Disney gave her opportunities to put those qualities into practice in an international workplace.
She also pointed to DSU’s close-knit campus environment as an important influence on her experience. The University’s emphasis on community and meaningful relationships helped her embrace new opportunities and establish connections with colleagues from Thailand, China, Mexico, Canada and other countries.
Those relationships became one of the most rewarding aspects of the program, allowing Terry to learn about different cultures while sharing her own experiences as a student at a historically Black university.
Terry was especially proud to represent Delaware State University throughout the program, carrying the University’s sense of community into an environment that brought together individuals from around the world.
Along with the professional experience and international friendships, Terry gained a new perspective on personal growth, particularly the importance of learning from mistakes rather than allowing them to become setbacks.
“I’ve started to accept that I make mistakes and that I just have to move past that and grow from that experience,” she said.
The experience strengthened Terry’s confidence and reinforced the importance of resilience, collaboration and cultural awareness, qualities she hopes to carry into her future career in education.
Now continuing her studies at Delaware State University, Terry brings back valuable professional experience, lasting international connections and a broader understanding of how opportunities beyond the classroom can shape her personal and professional journey.