In the Summer and Fall of 2022, I participated in the Disney College Program, where I was assigned to Hollywood Studios and worked in outdoor food vending (ODV). This role presented numerous challenges that ultimately enhanced my communication skills and ethical decision-making.

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On a daily basis, I often had to defuse situations involving upset guests, whether they were yelling at me or fellow cast members. I found that thoroughly explaining the rules usually helped to calm them down. Additionally, I assisted guests by providing detailed directions within the park, ensuring they had a stress-free experience without the worry of getting lost.

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Beyond effective communication, I also honed my ethical decision-making skills. Each hour, I was allowed to create one “magical moment” by giving guests complimentary items. My general guideline was to keep these orders under $20 to avoid excessive giveaways. When selecting recipients, I considered various factors: celebrating a special occasion, needing a pick-me-up, or simply deserving a special treat. I always aimed to give these moments to those who truly needed them, never to those who explicitly asked for them.

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Skills Cultivated: 

• Provided directions, ensuring effortless navigation and contributing to a hassle-free experience for the guests

• Processed transactions of guests’ purchases promptly while enhancing customer service by engaging in conversation

• Executed a critical role in the reopening of Fantasmic! show serving over a hundred guests within a single hour

• Ensured availability of a full menu by safely delivering fresh products to various carts