This week I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Gayle Gammon, a Disney College Program Alumnae and member of Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority. Gayle was very open about her experience both in the DCP and in Greek Life on our campus!
Q: Why did you choose New Paltz?
A: I’m from Long Island so New Paltz was the closest SUNY to home, I was wait listed and then accepted so it all just kinda fell into place
Q: What is your major?
A: Communications with a concentration in public relations
Q: Why did you choose your major?
A: It seemed to fit in with my personality and what I like to do. Initially I was a business management major and it just wasn’t clicking for me.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: My dream job is to be a dance teacher, but within my field I’m not sure what I want to do yet, there’s so many possibilities with communications.
Q: What made you choose to do the DCP
A: My freshman year roommate was just as Into Disney as I was, we would stay in and watch Disney movies instead of going out and one day as she was applying to the program she said to me “ you know I think you should apply to this too I think you would really like it” so I did and we were both not accepted the first time. When we applied the second time I was accepted and she was declined but we agreed when we reapplied before we got responses that who ever got in was going and then she reapplied a third time and was accepted so our programs ended up overlapping which was great.
Q: How was your experience in the DCP?
A: It was a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Yes you’re in the parks which is a great atmosphere, but you’re also working a full time job in the Florida heat. In the end though it’s all about your perspective on it all, if you make friends with your coworkers the shifts go faster, and on your days off you get to play in the parks for free. So in my opinion it’s a pretty great set up.
Q: What caused you to join Greek Life?
A: My initial friends group had scattered whether it was because they were studying abroad or we just grew apart I was missing having a group of people to be around all the time. I knew a few girls who were in ΚΔΦnas and had mentioned an interest in Greek life so they talked to me about it and invited me to their events. After one event and talking to the girls I knew they were the type of people I wanted to surround myself with and from there it’s all history.
Q: What do you like about Greek Life at New Paltz?
A: I like that we have brothers on campus because that’s really cool and something that no other organization has at New Paltz, but I also like how friendly and caring all the organizations are towards one another, and how easy it is to make connections.
Q: What advice would you give to Newcomers to our campus?
A: Don’t splurge all your dining dollars on Starbucks, it’s hard I know but hasbrouck has come a long way and is edible these days. But also try a lot of things in the first year join clubs, get a job, do hall gov. Everyone on this campus is friendly and willing to help so don’t be afraid to reach out. Also it’s rare that your freshman friends stick through all four years so don’t be afraid to make new friends!
As you can see Gayle is very involved on our campus and has done a range of things for the campus since her Freshman year. Feel free to say hi to her if you ever see her around campus! (Especially as your favorite Barista at Starbucks)