Disney Programs welcomed its first group of participants from The Bahamas for a summer at Walt Disney World Resort. Among them, Oneiya Neymour found a lasting leadership lesson when her coordinator picked up a broom and helped her.
Oneiya studies marketing at the University of The Bahamas. She comes from Andros Island, the largest island in The Bahamas, and treasured representing her home while learning about Disney.
The programs give college students opportunities to live and work at the resort while gaining experience with a global company. Participants can discover another culture while sharing their own.
Oneiya worked in custodial at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. She credited her coordinators and fellow cast members with helping her learn the role through encouragement, teaching and support.
A leadership lesson at Animal Kingdom
Oneiya recalled a moment on her second day out of training. Oneiya forgot the location of the Kali River Rapids restroom and spent an entire day cleaning a different restroom. When she realized the mistake, she told her coordinator, Zuli.
Zuli responded with patience. She grabbed a pan and broom, then helped Oneiya clean the correct restroom. Oneiya said the experience taught her that leadership means working alongside a team, rather than standing above it.
She hopes to carry that example forward.
“I’ve never had a day where I felt alone or as though my work did not matter,” Oneiya said.
Friendships beyond the workday
Outside work, Oneiya valued the friendships that grew from spending time with her fellow cast members. She described co-workers becoming friends, then family, through shared park days and memories.
She named Avatar Flight of Passage as her all-time favorite attraction. Other rides she’ll miss include TRON Lightcycle / Run, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Expedition Everest.
The group also visited local Orlando spots, tried classic foods and went shopping. Together, they chased theme park thrills and toured the Disney Wish.
For music education student Turquoise, working at the resort and participating in Disney VoluntEARS inspired ideas for his future classrooms.
Sisters Bernae and Brianna shared their Disney Programs experience as a duo. Their time together gave them another opportunity to bond after Bernae’s graduation.
The group’s participation grew from a partnership involving the Disney International Programs recruitment team. Disney Cruise Line’s work with the University of The Bahamas also helped make it possible.
The students have returned to university.
Check current Animal Kingdom wait times before you go.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
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