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October 30, 2017

Student Spotlight: Ally Piazza– Junior ‘19

What did you do last Semester?

Last Semester I participated in the Disney College Program. I took classes, I worked in the biggest store at the park and also had an amazing time exploring Walt Disney World. My role in Merchandise provided retail experience. I worked at World of Disney which is the largest Disney merchandising location in the world! When I applied, I was interested in many roles, but Merchandise was my top choice. I LOVE shopping and really enjoy the memories that are involved with people buying the merchandise as souvenirs! I grew up going to Disney and collecting souvenirs, so this experience was very personal because I could sell those belongings to people, which will be kept as a reminder of this special place and the memories they made there. Helping people find just that perfect something to commemorate their trip was the reason I wanted to work in retail. For a visitor, that souvenir represents the memories to treasure tomorrow.

What stands out from the experience?

The most enjoyable part of my experience was making people happy; that was the most important thing for me. I am very passionate about making people happy everyday as well as making a difference in a positive way. One part of my position was trading pins with guests. One day I was floor stocking and this little boy came into the store in a wheelchair and had a button on that said, “Ask me about my wish.” So I said to him, “Tell me about your wish!” and he told me he wished to come to Disney. Interacting with him made me happy to be a part of making his day extra special. He pointed to the Donald Duck pin I had and I gave it to him. His mom then took a picture of us, he was so ecstatic! The simple gesture of giving him the pin made his whole day. The fact that for a split second I could bring that boy so much joy by giving him a pin is an example of making a difference for others. It was cool to bond with so many people, from fellow interns, to guests in the park, to those I worked with at the store, who had so much in common with me. It was as if we were all connected to the magic going on around us.

What is your favorite thing about studying Communication with a concentration in Business?

My favorite thing about studying Communication is being able to apply what I’m studying to my real life experiences. Communication has taught me to focus on similarities with others and not differences, and this major has helped us get rid of stereotypes, labels, etc. and focus on how we are alike as people.

What is your dream job? How do you think Roberts is helping you to do that?

My dream job would involve making people happy. I want to go into a career related to customer relations, whether that be event planning or addressing people’s needs, and making them happy. Through my different courses in both Communication and Business, I have learned different concepts of communication and how to connect those by working in a professional setting.

What is your favorite course?

I LOVE Advertising and Intro to Communication. The Intro to Communication class presents different theories of communication and it was very interesting and opened my eyes to communication. The Advertising class has really shown me the importance of brand loyalty and brand image, which always interested me, but I had never seriously thought about until now.

What is your favorite food at Garlock?

When we have the tortellini bar I get so excited, that is like the best day of the semester for me!

Advice for incoming or current freshman?

Do not be afraid to change your major. I started as an Adolescent Education major. Education seemed like my ideal route, but I realized it was not for me. I then changed to Communication with a concentration in Business. I thought about Accounting and then realized that was not for me either. Once I went to Disney I discovered a whole new aspect of business, customer relations. I knew this was the right fit for me, as this opportunity really opened my eyes to this field. I have enjoyed studying the field of Communication and taking Business courses, even taking classes while at Disney. So my biggest advice is, “don’t be afraid and be open minded even if it isn’t concrete.” Communication has many areas of interest which sets it apart; sometimes is feels a bit scary with the different disciplines to choose from but in the end it has worked out perfectly for me to pursue my passion!


Faculty Feedback:

Donna McLaren, Adjunct Professor of Advertising

“Ally is an outstanding student who is engaged in the classroom and is excited about learning advertising methods and applying what she has learned. She is the type of student who accepts a challenging assignment and is motivated to do her very best. Walt Disney focused on doing new things. Ally has that same curiosity to learn new advertising concepts and to see what doors will open because of new things being imagined or implemented. She is a student who shows confidence, creativity and grace.”

 


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