This week we are shining a spotlight on Lauren Santangelo, a junior in the Quinlan School of Business. She is a Human Resources Management major here at Loyola University Chicago, and is also a Quinlan Ambassador and in the Human Resources Student Association on campus. On top of it all, Lauren graduated from the Disney College Program in Spring of 2015. I got the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Lauren and talk to her about her amazing journey.Â
Her Campus LUC: Why did you decide to do the Disney College Program? How was the experience for you?
Lauren Santangelo: I decided to do the college program because I’ve been obsessed with Disney since I first started going there, when I was about seven. Ever since my first trip to Disney World, I had always dreamed about working for Disney. When I was little, the cast members were always so friendly, and did little things to help me feel the magic of Disney. Not only did I get to fulfill my dream of becoming a cast ,ember, but I also go to meet and work with a lot of cool people from all over the world. Getting to talk to them about what life was like in their home country, and just hearing about their experiences was very interesting to me. The best part about being a cast member was getting to create “magical moments” as Disney calls them. I was never recognized for any of my actions, but seeing the kid’s smiles was enough for me.
HC LUC: What is your goal for the future?
LS: My goal for the future is to graduate Loyola, with my degree in Human Resource Management and maybe get my MBA through the 5-year program. I would love one day to return to work at Disney in their Human Resources department.
HC LUC: Did you learn anything from the Disney College Program that you think c an be useful in everyday life and also to excel in your career goals?
LS: By doing the college program, I learned a couple very valuable skills that are useful for my career. First, being how to work with people from different backgrounds. Prior to working at Disney, I had never worked with anyone from another country. At my location, I was working with people from all different backgrounds and different ideas and opinions. By working here, I was able to improve my people and collaboration skills. I also improved my customer service skills because that is very big for Disney cast members. I was constantly put into situations where I had to stay calm under pressure and solve a problem quickly. I had to do all of this while being courteous to the guest. All of these skills are very valuable to have in the workplace.
HC LUC: What was it like being away from campus for a whole semester?
LS: For about the first week, it was difficult. I’m from the suburbs of Chicago, so I was never very far away from my family if I missed them. Living in Florida was the first time I really moved away from home. For the first week, I was very homesick and really missed my friends and family. Once I started working, I was so busy that I didn’t have time to feel homesick. I would go to work and then go to the parks with my new friends or do a ton of other things to keep myself busy. My family also came to visit me twice as well, and towards the end of my program two of my friends from Loyola came to visit me. Seeing familiar faces throughout my program also helped to cure my homesickness.
HC LUC: What is your passion?
LS: My passion is helping people. I love to know that what I’m doing has an impact on people and that my actions can help others. I picked my major because I liked that in the Human Resources role, my job is to serve the employees of the company.
After reading this, I hope you are inspired to make a difference and embark on your own adventures, just like Lauren did by participating in the Disney College Program. She continues to follow her dreams throughout her everyday life by pursuing her goal to work in the Human Resources department. I am glad to call Lauren a good friend, and fellow Rambler!