Elaine Ding SFS ’15
Many Georgetown University students may have outgrown their addictions to the celebrated Disney Channel television network. However, they might be interested to know that there is a Disney Channel star right in their midst! Elaine Ding, a freshman in the School of Foreign Service, reported for Disney Channel as a Hong Kong representative.
In 2005, Disney Channel offered five teenagers from across Asia the opportunity to report for the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland. The first part of the application process involved an essay explaining their qualifications for the role. Later, contestants attended a shooting in the studio to be judged on their presence in front of the camera. Finally, when they had determined the top five contestants from each country, it was up to Disney Channel voters to pick their favorites.
Elaine became the Hong Kong representative along with four others from the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Korea. Although she was hesitant to accept at first, Elaine says that now she is grateful that she had the opportunity.
“It was a great experience and I’m really glad I did it. I met some extraordinary people that I still keep in touch with,” Elaine said.
As a representative, Elaine received a VIP Press pass for the week of the opening. During that time she had the opportunity to meet popular Asian celebrities including Coco Lee and Lea Salonga, as well as interview Jackie Chan. Elaine also had the chance to test out all of the park’s rides, scope out the different restaurants, and attend pre-opening red carpet events. She describes attending the VIP pre-opening party as “a once in a lifetime experience.”
“It was really hard to watch myself on television first,” Elaine said. “I was on TV every night for 6 months on two networks, Disney Channel Asia and a special Hong Kong Disneyland Channel was set up to play us nearly 24/7.”
As a student, Elaine is enjoying her Georgetown experience and living in DC. She says she chose Georgetown because of its unparalleled location and the unique SFS curriculum. She is a member of the UNICEF student organization and the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. She also works at the Center for Multicultural Equity and Access.
“The campus is beautiful and I adore everyone I’ve met here,” she said. “I want to work or intern at an international organization and I feel there is no better place to be.”