Did you know that the University of Tampa offers many alternative break programs during the week of Spring Break? I was fortunate to be one of twenty selected for the Walt Disney World Leadership Spring Break Program. The program included two YES (Youth Education Series) programs facilitated by Disney cast members, a four day park hopper pass, transportation, a low ropes course, a kick-off event, a service opportunity, and food all for the price of $250. All it takes is the time to apply and an acceptance. It was my first time at Disney, so I had the full, luxurious experience for a deal. You could say it was a steal, and it is one of the many perks for being a Spartan!
“All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them” –Walt Disney. This quote served as the theme for the week while learning about leadership in the realm of Walt Disney World. Starting on Sunday at the kick-off event, we were placed into small groups of four with the addition of one facilitator per team. Throughout the week, we touched on building teamwork, leadership strategies, and what it means to have a culture of excellence.
On Monday morning, we participated in USF’s low ropes challenge which included team building activities so we could be more comfortable with one another and begin working on our group relationships. From these activities, I learned that contribution and supporting others is essential to developing a strong team. I recognized that we should listen to understand rather than listen to respond. Lastly, I learned that trial and error is okay because you need to make mistakes in order to fully learn and to grow. The time spent at USF was valuable time to set the mood for the week because we became closer as a group.
On Tuesday, we had an early day at EPCOT where we participated in Disney’s Leadership Strategies program. Throughout this workshop, I learned about leadership styles in Disney, their business operations by seeing backstage, and the story of when Walt first thought of the idea for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Our facilitators from Disney were Jill and Todd who were great at teaching us the four leadership strategies with the help of different activities. The program helped me recognize that the leadership qualities I possess, as well as the leadership style I mostly identify with.
On Wednesday, we participated in Disney’s Culture of Excellence program at the Magic Kingdom. Our facilitators that day were the exceptional Mark and James who taught us about the four strategies for making a culture work with examples being related to Disney. The program taught us about building a team of excellence and designing a culture that satisfies us as a UT student body. We had the opportunity to take a small tour of the underground/backstage area, as well as meet a woman whose father was an original imaginer, and saw a picture of her as a child with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.
On Thursday before spending the rest of the time in the parks, we shared our reflective stories to the entire group which were based on themes of the programs, and what we personally connected with, and how we can apply these new skills to our UT involvement and organizations. We ended on Friday with volunteering at Give Kids the World Village, and this service allowed us to end the magical week on a positive finale. I truly learned so much throughout this leadership program, and it helped me grow as an individual, especially in my passions of leading and service. I will take these new skills to help me be a successful leader and Spartan in my involvement on campus and my career as a student.
Are you interested in participating in this program for next spring break? Here’s how to get in the loop…
Look out for applications in December 2017/January 2018 to participate or facilitate in the program. The applications are on OrgSync under the Leadership portal.
There are other exciting leadership opportunities happening this semester!
The Leadership portal also posts information and applications for other leadership opportunities going on throughout the year. Do not let Disney be your only opportunity, get involved and participate in the other excursions too! There are currently two leadership excursions coming up in the next month; Lowry Park Zoo and an Escape Room.
Make OrgSync & Global Messages your best friend to find out about these events!!!
For more information:
Visit: the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement Vaughn Center, Room 215
Email: SPARTANLEADERSHIP@UT.EDU