Dreamer News

Are you, or do you know, a teen who gives 100 percent and is looking for guidance and inspiration to fulfill their purpose? Disney Dreamers Academy is now accepting applications for teens looking to “Be 100” - the best versions of themselves - to attend the 2019 program. High school students can apply through October 31, 2018 for the chance to be among the 100 invited to Walt Disney World for the four-day, all-expense-paid mentoring program which seeks to give young dreamers...

Luis was a sophomore at Cypress Bay High School in South Florida when he attended Disney Dreamers Academy in 2018, but he had already made a tremendous impact on his community. He is the founder and president of “Dream Builders,” a program designed to

Think you know everything about the Disney Dreamers Academy? Think again!

Did you know? Students get up close and personal with celebrities and top business executives!

Earning good grades is a good first step in chasing your dreams, but there are other things you can do to make the most of your time in school and build a foundation for the future. Here are some ideas for Being 100 throughout the school year:

Get Involved
Joining a club is a great way to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. These organizations can be academic or social and support many different areas of interest. Clubs help with team-building and networking skills and offer leadership opportunities that can be beneficial for a resume or college application.

Become a Tutor
Tutoring classmates will make sure you are bringing your A-game throughout the year. Tutoring will not only help others improve but it will also make sure you’re on top of your coursework. This activity also helps build communication and teaching skills that will last a lifetime. Plus, some opportunities are paid and will help you earn a little money, too!

Do Something New
It is important to experience things outside of your comfort zone, like joining a project or group outside of your areas of interest. Doing so will introduce you to new ideas and skills you can take with you back to your field. Few students know exactly what they want to do when they leave high school so exploring unfamiliar areas of study will help you figure out what career is right for you. You might discover a new area of interest! Look for clubs, volunteer activities and extracurricular opportunities at your school and in your community.

Think you know everything about the Disney Dreamers Academy? Think again!

Did you know? Learning isn’t all lecture!

Casey is a junior at Spring Valley High School in the Discovery Math and Science Magnet program. In eighth grade, her passion for science and research drove her to design equipment for football helmets to reduce the risk of concussions. She has continued that research to this

For most students, summer vacation is a welcome break from class and learning. However, it’s also a great opportunity to set some time aside to put toward achieving a dream! Here are a couple of ways to work toward your dreams over the summer:

Think you know everything about the Disney Dreamers Academy? Think again!

Andy is a first-year high school student interested in biodiversity and environmental conservation. He has collaborated with eco-organizations for beach and coral restorations throughout South Florida after Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma.

This year’s group of Disney Dreamers is quite impressive! The 11th class features students from diverse backgrounds with a wide variety of interests. Here is a look at the 2018 Disney Dreamers Academy by the numbers:

Elena has loved music and culinary arts her entire life. She writes her own songs and lyrics she performs locally at open mics and art fairs. Elena is a two-time winner of a statewide songwriting contest.

Hometown: West Bloomfield, Michigan
Age: 15
Dream: To become a successful singer/songwriter and to spread a positive message through her music
Fun Fact: Elena created a dish which won her the opportunity to attend the Kid’s State Dinner at the White House

Think you know everything about the Disney Dreamers Academy? Think again! Disney Dreamers Academy is action-packed and a lot happens in just a few days.

Did you know? Networking is a big deal!

1. Each Disney Dreamer receives a set of personalized DDA-branded business cards to use as a networking tool throughout the event.
2. Disney Dreamers attend a networking dinner where they have a chance to receive advice and face time with influential figures like ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks and Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion Tracey Powell.
3. It’s in the details! Students learn even the smallest details can make a difference when meeting new people. They practice eye contact, handshakes and elevator pitches throughout the weekend.

Maia is a senior at River City High School and has participated in many school organizations including the Service Club, Robotics Club and wrestling team. She hopes to attend MIT or CalTech and double major in electrical and mechanical engineering

Hometown: Sacramento, California
Age: 17
Dream: To become a Disney Imagineer
Fun Fact: Maia was the grand prize winner of Marvel’s Captain America Civil War: Girls Reforming the Future Challenge and completed a week-long internship at Marvel Studios

Disney Dreamers Academy is nothing short of a whirlwind weekend filled with incredible opportunities for learning, networking and having a bit of fun too! Here are our favorite quotes from the 11th Disney Dreamers Academy:

• “The only thing more expensive in life than an education is the lack of it.” -Kyle McBeth, 2018 Disney Dreamer of the Year
• “Don’t follow trends, because when they end, you end right with them.” – Ne-Yo, Grammy Award-Winning recording artist
• "It is impossible to be too much you.” – Jussie Smollett, actor on Empire and recording artist
• "You cannot Google exposure.” – Steve Harvey, nationally syndicated radio and television host
• "Your pursuit of other people's opinions will limit your growth" – Dr. Steve Perry, educator and author
• "If you stay ready, you never have to get ready" - Dr. Alex Ellis, CEO Tied to Greatness

There’s another reason December is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year – it’s when the new class is announced for Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE!

In March, the new group of students will be the 10th class of Dreamers to take part in the program and will join the more than 900 other Dreamers who have experienced the immersive and inspirational weekend at Walt Disney World Resort.

To the incoming Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2017: Congratulations!

The list of students selected for the 2017 Disney Dreamers Academy, can found at www.disneydreamersacademy.com/dreamers/2017.

With her singing and acting career taking off, Taylor splits her time between Chicago, New York and her hometown of Gary, IN, while working on her debut album. She also just released her first original single, “Big City,” and will release the music video in 2017.

Also on her busy schedule is teaching performing arts camps for students in her hometown. One of her passions is trying to pass on the lessons she learned at Disney Dreamers Academy, by working with those performers. “These kids have no idea of the talent pool in which they come from,” she said. “I want to show people that you can be from a so-called ‘oppressed area’ and defy the odds.”

The Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2016 has a lot to look forward to in the coming months! From motivating speeches to hands-on experiences in specific fields of interest, there are more moments to treasure at DDA than you could ever imagine.

Picking a favorite memory from their DDA experience was no easy task, but the Disney Dreamers Academy Champions somehow managed to do it! Here’s what they said were some of their most inspiring moments from their DDA weekends:

Matthew Young, DDA Class of 2014

“My favorite memory from DDA would have to be when our speaker, Magic Johnson, called me out of the audience and asked me to stand up and tell him what my dream was. He then began having a conversation with me in front of the entire audience about my dream and how important it is to dedicate 100 percent every day to achieve it.”

Jonathan Johnson, DDA Class of 2015

“I really enjoyed the music production Deep Dive – collaborating with my fellow dreamers and seeing all of our ideas combined into one single body of work. We produced a song entitled “Someday” that I think could have made radio play.”

Imani McClendon, DDA Class of 2012

“My favorite DDA memory is receiving the Shooting Star Award for Courage and Constancy. One would think to be one of 100 selected to participate in the program was enough, then being one of five to receive the award and my mom being there to see me was amazing.”

Aisha Louis, DDA Class of 2013

“The night of the empowerment session all of the girls participated in was one giant sleepover and allowed us to connect and be vulnerable with one another, while having inspirational, successful and multi-dimensional women in the room offering their guidance and wisdom for navigating life. I was able to reflect and heal from a lot of past mistakes and occurrences in my life and gained powerful connections that I’ve held onto for years.”

Rachel Pence, DDA Class of 2014

“Deep Dive sessions were my favorite part of DDA. We went to the elephant habitat and learned how many details are involved in caring for these majestic animals.”

In March, a new set of Dreamers will have the chance to make their own favorite memories at Disney Dreamers Academy 2016. Watch out for more information on Dreamer News about DDA 2016 and the newest class of Dreamers!

It’s a very exciting time – the students selected for the ninth annual Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE have been announced! In March, these students will travel to the Walt Disney World Resort during an all-expenses-paid, four-day trip that will change their lives. During the weekend, Dreamers will engage in immersive experiences and listen to renowned entrepreneurs and business leaders, teaching them how to take action on their dreams and turn them into reality.

Thousands of students apply to Disney Dreamers Academy every year, and this time was no different. The judges were blown away by the stories and accomplishments of this year’s applicants and choosing this year’s class was no easy task. But, every applicant showed their initiative and ability to dream big by applying for the program. Keep applying and keep dreaming! Jonathan Sprinkles, motivational speaker and part of the DDA Speakers Resource Group, has this message for everyone who wasn’t selected this time around.

A big congratulations to those who were selected as the ninth class of DDA! On behalf of all of the Disney Dreamers Academy judges and speakers, Essence Magazine Editor-at-Large Mikki Taylor has this message for the 2016 Dreamer class.

To see the list of students selected for the 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy, visit https://www.disneydreamersacademy.com/dreamers/2016/.

Stay tuned for more for more information on Dreamer News about DDA 2016 and the newest class of Dreamers!

Dex Tanksley is a project architect for Walt Disney Imagineering and a Disney Dreamers Academy speaker. As an Imagineer, he’s had the opportunity to impact the lives of others by helping design and create structures around the world, including buildings at Disney resorts in California, Florida, Paris and Shanghai.

“Everyone has a dream,” Dex says. “The difference is following through with your dream. That separates the people who are successful from the people who aren’t.”

Here’s how Dex began a career in architecture and his tips for aspiring Imagineers: http://on.fb.me/1NkrAi5

Imani’s been very busy since the 2012 Disney Dreamers Academy, where she received the Shooting Star Award for Courage and Constancy. Not only has she interned with The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, she’s also participated in the leadership organization Black Girls Rock and the NAACP’s ACT-SO, a yearlong achievement program for high school students. More about Imani:

Hometown:

Union, NJ

School:

Spelman College (Atlanta, GA)

Major of Study:

Major: Economics

Minor: Management and Organization

Disney Dreamers Academy Class:

2012

Dream:

To build a successful and lifelong brand for myself through marketing and public relations that in turn motivates, inspires and encourages others to achieve their dreams and fulfill their purpose.

What is the most essential quality a Dreamer needs to be successful?

Resilience. A true dreamer will find a way to bounce back from stressors, roadblocks, detours and the many “nos” they will hear. A spirit of resilience will allow someone to press forward, follow their vision and achieve their dream no matter the trials.

Watch out for more profiles on Dreamer News as we introduce the new 2015-2016 Disney Dreamers Academy Champions and apply to Disney Dreamers Academy today at www.disneydreamersacademy.com/apply!

Matthew says the 2014 Disney Dreamers Academy taught him the importance of hard work and perseverance when dreaming big. To achieve his dream of being a corporate lawyer or politician, Matthew is taking that advice to heart and participates in a program working with a national law firm for a hands-on experience. More about Matthew:

Hometown:

Jacksonville, FL

School:

Florida State University – College of Business

Major of Study:

Business Management

Disney Dreamers Academy Class:

2014

Dream:

To be a corporate lawyer or politician

Favorite Disney Dreamers Academy memory:

My favorite memory from DDA would have to be when Magic Johnson, during his address to the Dreamers, called me out of the audience and asked me to stand up and tell him about my dream. Magic then began having a conversation with me in front of the entire audience about my dream and how important it is to dedicate 100 percent every day to achieve it.

Watch out for more profiles on Dreamer News as we introduce the new 2015-2016 Disney Dreamers Academy Champions!

Recently, Disney Dreamers Academy Champion Aisha had the chance to catch up with one of her DDA classmates, who also happens to attend the same college, and see where her journey has led her:

During the 2014 Disney Dreamers Academy, Dreamer Asia McCullum had the opportunity to meet Dr. Steve Perry, and sparked a conversation that inspired her to apply for more than 70 scholarships during her senior year of high school. Asia received a full scholarship to any university of her choice as she became a Gates Millennium Scholar, a national recognition for students who show the utmost excellence in academia and leadership. Asia has paired this dedication along with several tools she gained from DDA to launch her career as a designer, business owner and entrepreneur.

Q: What was for favorite part of Disney Dreamers Academy?

A: At the graduation ceremony, I won the Dreamer of the Year award. Although I was completely surprised and nervous, it validated that my upbeat, polite, and hands-on characteristics were noticed and the mentors did not regret giving me the opportunity to be there. 

Q: What is your dream right now?

A: My dream is to be a business owner in a variety of industries. I want to start off as a fashion and costume designer. My creative work will be mission-driven and not just for the sake of making money or making "pretty" clothes. After I finish college, I want to dive into other industries like farming, aviation and technology while preparing the next generation of leaders to help manage my fashion empire.

Q: How are you continuing to pursue your dreams?

A: Over the summer, I started my first business which is a mission-driven, themed and socially responsible fashion company. I will be releasing my first collection in December, and by that time, I will be selling online and working towards being a vendor for certain retail stores across the country. My biggest tasks are showcasing next season for D.C. Fashion Week, NY Fashion Week, and hosting my own independent fashion show that will tour through Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York in 2016. The icing on the cake will be attending Black Enterprise's Entrepreneurs Conference in May 2016, as I have dreamt of doing since my freshman year of high school. 

Q: How did Disney Dreamers Academy change the way you think about your career goals?

A: There was a statement Steve Harvey made along the lines of, "If you want to be a flower shop owner, make sure you have the best flower shop in town." Our dreams do not need to be dusted with glitter, embellishments and rhinestones. Our dreams are never too big or too small, as long as we are happy and using our full potential. After DDA, I made sure that I align my goals not with how much recognition, popularity or awards it will earn me because there is no guarantee of fame or fortune, but what I am giving to others.

Q: What are some tips you can give to someone applying for Disney Dreamers Academy 2016?

A: Write your essay with the anticipation of learning and networking, not with the excitement of potentially experiencing Disney World, because that is not the focus of the program. Be as personal and personable as possible, open with sharing the most humorous and painful pieces of your story but also sounding like you are pleased to share your story with the world. If you are not chosen, apply again next year. I applied three years in a row until I was selected, but timing is always purposeful.

Sometimes, even the smallest fear can keep you paralyzed from achieving a dream.

For Disney Dreamers Academy speaker and founder of The Sister Accord, Sonia Jackson Myles, it was her fear of dogs. While it seemed unrelated to her dream, Sonia began to realize it was one of the only obstacles holding her back. Her fear of dogs became so significant that she wasn’t able to attend events or network with others in their home if they owned a dog.

Eventually, Sonia knew she needed to overcome her fear if she wanted to achieve her dreams. Instead of finding ways to avoid it, she faced it head-on and bought a dog. Sonia says she was afraid of the dog for six months, but all her fear went away when she touched him for the first time. “Everything that I had conjured up in my mind about the experience was false,” she says.

Today, Sonia is no longer overpowered by her fear and loves her dog. She encourages other Dreamers to examine what fears are holding them back and create an action plan to overcome them.

Today, Michael Strahan is known as a hall of fame football player and successful TV host featured on several shows including Good Morning America. But as Michael told the 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy it wasn’t easy getting there.

He describes his 13-year-old self as “chunky” and says his brothers often bullied him for being overweight. When they began to refer to him only as a nickname, he knew it was time to make a change. Michael didn’t want to be known by his nickname – he wanted to be “Michael.”

He was determined to become the best version of himself and started working out regularly. He maximized every moment, even doing sit ups and pushups during commercial breaks while he watched TV. His perseverance eventually transformed his body and his mind resulting in success as a high school football player and a university football scholarship.

Michael had bigger dreams though and set his sights on playing professional football. Once again, he dedicated himself to going above and beyond to maximize his potential by studying the sport. He read books and watched film of the game’s greatest players. Once again, Michael’s dedication paid off when he was drafted to play in the NFL, where he eventually became recognized as one of the game’s greatest players himself.

Although he could have retired following his football career, Michael dreamed of something more. Using the same hard work and dedication he learned as a football player, Michael turned himself into one of the most recognizable personalities on TV.

At any point, Michael could have quit, but by continuing to dream big throughout his life and dedicating himself to those dreams he has been able to go from chunky to champion.

• Shanesia dreams of becoming a TV correspondent. She received a hands-on internship with Terrence J at E! News.
• Mary-Kate dreams of becoming a professional dancer. She received an internship at the Millennium Dance Complex in Chicago, where she will work with one of their top-notch choreographers.
• Nicholas dreams of becoming a professional chef. He received an internship to work alongside top chefs at RPM Italian restaurant in Chicago, which is owned by Terrence J's friend and E! News colleague, Giuliana Rancic, and her husband, Bill Rancic.

• Confidence: Elizabeth N. – Waltham, MA
• Constancy: Caysi I. – Peachtree City, GA
• Curiosity: Ashley T. – Sandy Springs, GA
• Courage: Nikki D. – Hampton Bays, NY
• Dreamer of the Year: Jonathan J. – Irvington, NJ

• Shanesia A. – Birmingham, AL
• Courtney S. – Glenwood, IL

• Ruvencia B. – Denver, CO
• Nylah D. – Victorville, CA
• 2014 Dreamer Pavlina O., who came back to the 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy for her own radio show – Port Orange, FL

• Marcus - @Marco_Ehh
• Alanna - @lanna_humphrey
• Kayla - @itskaylagirlll
• Cara - @CARA_sel
• Shamiraca - @Shaybay2sweet

• 28 states are represented by the class of 2015
• 13 Dreamers are from Georgia, the state with the highest representation this year; followed by 10 from Texas and 9 from Florida
• 3,100 miles is the furthest distance a student will travel to attend Disney Dreamers Academy (Tacoma, Washington)
• 1 Dreamer will celebrate a birthday during the Disney Dreamers Academy weekend in March (Happy birthday, Keven!)
• 21 Dreamers are interested in starting a career in the medical field, the most popular career path amongst the students, followed by 17 Dreamers who want to start a career in business or as an entrepreneur, and 10 Dreamers who are interested in becoming an engineer

1. Curiosity
2. Courage
3. Constancy
4. Confidence
5. Creativity

1. Start the letter with a greeting, such as "Dear" or "Hello."
2. Begin the first sentence by stating what you are thanking them for.
3. In the next sentence, add more specific details about how that person's help impacted ou and what progress you've made toward achieving your goals.
4. End the letter by restating your gratitude.
5. Sign the letter with a friendly signature, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards."

1. Become a lifelong student of your craft.
   Seek mentors and ask questions to identify and master an area of expertise in the field. What you learn becomes the vocabulary for your career.
2. Seek opportunities for collaboration.
   Learn from peers, regardless of their experience level, because you never know who you might be working with. Your peers today could be superstars tomorrow!
3. Get business savvy.
   A music degree provides a strong foundation for your career but you also need an understanding of business strategy. Music producers regularly use business skills to assemble creative teams, establish production goals and milestones, and facilitate communication among collaborators.

1. Complete your application with faith and passion.
2. Be truthful about what you write and write with an open mind.
3. You don't have to know what you want to be, as long as you know you want to be great!

1. Start planning today. You can begin by joining a science, technology, engineering, or math-related organization or club, and by participating in internships that provide on-the-job experience. This will provide practical experience and will help you get a job when you graduate.
2. Do well in your classes; especially the courses related to math and science. From there, you'll be able to explore a wide range of disciplines within the engineering field. Multiple degrees are accepted for engineering roles, including bachelor's degrees in civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering.
3. Whether you're solving an engineering problem or pursuing a dream, consider all your options. Your first idea may not work, so it is good to have other ideas ready. The important thing is to keep dreaming and keep trying!

1. What piece of advice did you learn during Disney Dreamers Academy that you will never forget?
   Parents and guardians need to live their dreams as well. We often pour so much into others that we neglect ourselves and our dreams. Some parents said they had books to write and businesses to start, and we were all encouraged to follow through with our own dreams and goals – no matter how small – as we support and encourage our Dreamers.
2. 
   
3. What is your dream? Did attending Disney Dreamers Academy inspire you to achieve your dreams as well?
   One of my dreams is to finish my thesis so I can earn my master's degree. Since attending DDA, I submitted the first draft of my thesis and I'm on my way to write more, learn Spanish and travel to do genealogical research.
4. 
   
5. What advice would you give to parents who are also trying to raise and support Dreamers?
   Reach out to other trustworthy, successful parents or healthy adults for support. One of my closest friends has not given birth to children of her own, but has mothered many, so to speak. She is also the product of great parenting and has been supportive with helping me navigate parenting as a single mother. It truly takes a village.

1. Practice every day. Draw every day to not only perfect your strengths, but also to work on your weaknesses. It's important to learn how to draw multiple elements – background, characters and costumes – even the things you don't like to draw. For animators, sitting in a park or going to the zoo are great places to observe and sketch body movements.
2. 
   
3. Surround yourself with inspiration. Aspiring artists should watch and learn from animators like Disney's Andreas Deja, credited with Jafar from Aladdin and Gaston from Beauty and the Beast; Glen Keane, credited with Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Tarzan; and Eric Goldberg, credited with Genie from Aladdin. You can also create vision boards to explore your unique creative point of view.
4. 
   
5. Create a portfolio. For job or internship applications, create a portfolio that shows a diverse range of your work. Focus on quality over the quantity of pieces. It's good to include sketches as well as finished pieces to show your thought processes.
6. 
   
7. Learn how to use industry technology. New software products are closing the gap between paper and paperless drawing and are commonly found in animation studios.

1. Make a new friend. Get to know someone from a different cultural background.
2. Read to someone who can't read.
3. Help out at a local animal shelter.
4. Donate things you no longer use.
5. Offer to run errands for an elderly neighbor.

1. Smile! People are more willing to talk to you if you look friendly.
2. 
   
3. Don't just make eye contact—make an eye connection. Having the confidence to look someone in the eye lets them know they have your full attention.
4. 
   
5. Be the first to introduce yourself with a handshake and remember to extend your hand out all the way. Initiating the relationship shows your eagerness to connect.
6. 
   
7. Firmly give a "webshake," not a handshake. Make sure the webbed area between your index finger and thumb touches theirs.
8. 
   
9. Make a strong introductory statement. Instead of simply stating your name, add an unforgettable detail about yourself. For example, you can add that you're passionate about your career interests.
10. 
    

1. Intern as often as possible and in as many places as you can. Different experiences help give you a feel for what you love and what you don't love.
2. 
   
3. Join organizations like the Society of American Business Writers and Editors or the National Association of Black Journalists and form relationships with other members. When you're ready, these people can help you find the right opportunities.
4. 
   
5. Study the craft. Understand the history of journalism and where it is today, including the role of technology and what it means for journalists. Don't wait until you're entrenched in a career to understand where the market is and how you can make a difference.
6. 
   
7. Meet your deadlines. Journalism is a very deadline-driven industry. It will be the mark of how you carry yourself.
8. 
   
9. Get the story and get your facts. Start with the five W's: who, what, where, when and why. It's not your job to figure out what you think the story will be; it's your job to get the facts and let them tell the story.

1. Have the courage to explore your passions.
   Jaylen says, "I don't work. I have a hobby that I love." He is a firm believer in mastering the skills you enjoy utilizing. When Jaylen first discovered his passion for web design, he took action toward achieving his goals and invested in resources to learn more about coding.
2. 
   
3. Never give up.
   "Your past does not limit your future, but expands your knowledge on how to make your future great," he says. According to him, you should be willing to hear "no" a thousand times before you hear a "yes."
4. 
   
5. Identify a support team, or a "dream team," that can offer advice during tough situations.
   Jaylen has a "personal board of directors" that help guide his decision making. He also looks to famous innovators in his industry, like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg, for inspiration.

• 15 Career industries were represented by Deep Dives
• It took over 1,000 Disney Cast Members to put on a DDA
• 5 teams of Dreamers competed in the Twitter Challenge
• More than 3,000 tweets using the hashtag #DDA2014 were tweeted over the weekend
• 46 guest speakers dedicated their time to deliver inspirational presentations, participate in networking events and facilitate Deep Dives
• 5 Disney Dreamers Academy awards were distributed at the graduation ceremony
• 4 internships were awarded to Dreamers
• A total of 40 hours of Dreamer programming was completed over the course of 4 days
• There were 8 musical acts—including performances by Coco Jones, Tamela Mann and James Fortune
• 4 Dreamers were able to ask Magic Johnson for advice during his keynote presentation

Moment 3: The "Open Mouse" was a wonderful DDA experience. At this networking session, I had the opportunity to display the photography work I had captured during the course of the weekend, and to connect with different people from all across the country that were dreamers themselves. This experience was one of the first steps in achieving my dreams.

Moment 2: My second life changing DDA moment would be the "Deep Dive" experience, when I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn how Disney uses music and photos for their evening fireworks show "Wishes." I learned how impactful music and photographs can be on an audience.

Moment 1: My top DDA moment would have to be the Jonathan Sprinkles session. He had great advice on how to network and get yourself connected. I now have the knowledge and confidence to introduce myself to anyone and to try to learn from them.

• Ebony Johnson; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Class of 2010
• Michael Balcom; Naples, Florida; Class of 2011
• Brenaea Fairchild; Willingboro, New Jersey; Class of 2011
• Avery Davis; Gary, Indiana; Class of 2011
• Taylor Carter; Gary, Indiana; Class of 2012