Ramapo Student’s Dreams Do Come True During Semester in Disney

By EMILY SAKOWSKI

Last May, one of Ramapo’s theater majors embarked on a journey of a lifetime that took him to the Kingdom of Mickey Mouse for seven months.

Jorden Edwards, 22 of Cherry Hill, NJ, is a senior theater concentration at Ramapo and has been enthralled with the world of Walt Disney since he was a little kid.

“Working for Disney was always a dream of mine, and as soon as I got to college the College Program was my way of attempting to achieve that dream,” he said.

Last school year, Edwards applied to one of America’s most prestigious internship programs, the Disney College Program. Through the program, students from around the globe come together in Orlando Florida to complete internships with Disney. Edwards worked as a guide for Kali Rapids Expeditions in the Animal Kingdom Park.

“I learned so much from this portion of my experience. While it wasn’t my first choice of placement, I am happy where I ended up and wouldn’t trade any of it,” Edwards said.

What’s the Disney College Program?

The Disney College Program is a study-abroad at the happiest place on earth. Last year, we spoke to Edwards about being invited into the program, and about what it took to get that acceptance letter from Mickey Mouse himself. After all, the program is extremely selective, only accepting a small fraction of applicants. “About 60,000 people apply each term and only 10% of those applicants get accepted into the program,” Edwards said.

After submitting his written application online, Edwards did both a web-based interview and a phone interview before hearing he had been accepted. He waited three weeks for the verdict, but he said some students waited several months before hearing anything. Clearly, Edwards stood out.

The program stresses three components that make it unique: living, learning, and earning. While completing his internship, Edwards lived with other Disney interns from around the country, worked hard at the Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and acquired applicable skills that he can apply to his future career.

While he worked hard, Edwards played hard, too. “Being a Disney cast member there are so many perks, from free park admission to all 6 parks, dining discounts, merchandise discounts, etc. The best part was getting know things that would be changing before the general public knew,” he said.

“Get out there”

Edwards encourages all Ramapo students to take the leap of faith and study or intern abroad, whether it’s at the place where dreams come true or somewhere else around the globe. “You gain so much real life knowledge that you don’t learn in a class room or sitting in your dorm watching Netflix. Get out there, and experience what the real world has to offer,” he said.

At the end of the day, Edwards wouldn’t change his experience for anything. He made long-lasting friendships and gained invaluable work experience. “I wouldn’t change any of it. It was hands down the best seven months of my life. If I didn’t have to finish up school, I would still be there living out my dreams.”

Edwards is graduating from Ramapo College this May with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater.