Journal Entry #12

11151059_922199107819169_8521786345353082726_n11262130_922199124485834_5784675633048690887_nI was able to attend the end of program festivities. Graduation was very11329867_922199177819162_1253270197024054533_n cute and well laid out. Upon arrival we received our graduation ears, then proceeded to another tent to get our certificate of completion. We were also given a memory box. There were various activities to participate in like taking pictures with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. There were flags from various countries in the tennis court to take pictures with. There was also a DJ, photo booth with various crops and free food.

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Starlit Splash was the end of program party that was thrown for the College Program Participants at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. We were lucky because the weather was perfect, not to cold but not to hot. To me the water park was so much more fun at night. Although there were a lot of college participants the park did not seem over crowded and the lines for rides was not long at all. There was a DJ playing music and cast members dancing in the sand like it was a beach party. There was a great variety of food for everyone.

 My roommate self-termed earlier in April and I finally got a new roommate after three weeks, which is a new adjustment. It was very nerve wrecking when we first moved in getting to know one another and becoming adjusted to everyone’s different living styles and lifestyles. It took time before the six of us became adjusted to one another and now it feels like doing the whole process over again. My other roommates and I also have bonded with each other and we have our routines that we are used to. Hopefully, the adjustment of a new roommate goes smoothly and we all can get along.

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Read & React 5

After concluding classes during this internship I have learned many different philosophies, one which has particularly caught my attention has been Transactional Analysis. I learned this concept during my leadership class, this concept is part of our everyday life since it reflects on our behavior. Dr. Eric Berne developed the theory of Transactional Analysis and defined it as : “A consistent pattern of feeling and experience directly related to a corresponding consistent pattern of behavior”.

Transactional Analysis is broken down into three ego states which include Parent, Adult and Child. The parent state is thoughts, feelings or behavior we have learned from parents or parental figures. Adult is the ideal state which is thoughts and feelings in the here and now. The Child state is thoughts, feelings and behaviors portrayed from childhood.

 In order to better understand the ego states I will break them down properly as follows:

Parent personalities can be characterized in two different ways, nurturing or controlling.  The nurturing parent has a very caring and controlled personality.  This means that they, the nurturing parent, are the mother figure of the group or business.  Being a nurturer is not necessarily a bad personality to have.  Having a caring sense of respect for one’s employees can be a valuable leadership characteristic.  However, this can sometimes be a weakness in a leader because a nurturing management style could permit employees to take advantage of their caring approach.  The next parenting style would be the controlling parent.  Controlling parent personalities are very different from nurturing parents.  For example, controlling parents do not embrace change.  The controlling parent also likes to be in control of everything that is going on in the work environment.  For example, an employee is cleaning the counter in a clockwise motion, the manager requests the employees to clean the counter in a counter clockwise manner. They want everyone to perform tasks in their own meticulous manner.  The controlling parents can sometimes be unsympathetic and make people think that their viewpoint is wrong.

A child’s persona is about contemplation and sentiment.  This could indicate that an adult and child personalities go together in diverse ways.  In reflection the child personalities are all about what the boss or employer can do to make them more comfortable.  Take for example, two employees who are having a dispute with one another. Instead of talking to one another and solving the problem right when the problem begins, the employees wait and let the problem escalate.  This creates a problem with other employees.  After a while, the child employee cannot stand his fellow coworker and they proceed to take matters to higher management and complain about one another.

Adult styles are basically the best personality style a person can have.  Having an adult personality a person has to be able to accept other ideas while giving constructive criticism, communicate well with others, and help others along the way.  First the adult personality accepts the ideas of their coworkers while getting constructive criticism.  When a coworker presents an idea or just simply a suggestion to another employee it is the adult who tells that was a great suggestion, but here is a way to improve on that idea.  Having an adult personality means that you communicate well with others.

http://www.ericberne.com/transactional-analysis/

The complexity of the human brain has intrigued scientist for many generations.  From the development of each unique personality to the behavioral interactions in which we portray these individual personality traits, have always been a beautiful unsolved mystery.  This incomplete mystery of the human brain was the spark that motivated Dr. Eric Berne to work and study in the field of psychoanalysis and construct a theory entitled “Transactional Analysis”.

Eric Leonard Bernstein was born on May 10, 1910 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  He came to the United States in 1953 to begin his internship at Englewood Hospital in New Jersey.   He practiced his studies with a residency in psychiatry at the Psychiatric Clinic of Yale University and served as a psychiatrist in the Army Medical Corps.  Berne worked in various clinics and psychological institutes through the years.  After years of research, investigation, and studies Berne created one of the most noteworthy theories of modern psychology.

Before Dr. Eric Berne’s research, previous theories tried to explain human behaviors.  The most frequently cited theory is the work of Sigmund Freud.  In his theory Freud identified 3 components within our human behavior, “ID, Ego and the Superego”.  Freud came to the conclusion that a person needs these three components in order to balance, create, or produce reasonable mental health.  For Eric Berne the most important fact on Freud´s theory was the recognition that the human personality is multi-faceted.

Before publishing his work around 1970, Dr. Eric Berne, spent years formulating the basic unit of his analysis, summarizing his research in one simple word, “Transactional”.  Berne defined it as the fundamental unit of social intercourse.  With this definition Berne conceived a new language in the field of psychology, and founded Transactional Analysis.

When formulating his theory of the Three Ego States, Berne’s approach was far from any other psychotherapist.  Berne did not simply ask his individual patients simple interview questions for his research, instead he observed his patients in a group setting, paying close attention to each and every interactions made between them and other personnel. Those three ego states are as follows: Parent, Adult, and Child.

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Journal Entry # 11

The classes I am taking from the Disney College Program are ending soon and it is bittersweet but, I was able to learn a whole lot about the history of Walt Disney World through my classes. The field trips with my Inactive Learning Class combined lectures and experience which added another dimension to my knowledge of Walt Disney World. The field trips to the park were the best in my opinion. The trips brought to life the concepts we had learned in class. A perfect example is the topic of themeing. The trips to the park allowed us to visually see how themeing is conceptalized, organized and made reality. In my Human Resources class, I have learned many things I did not put thought into before. I liked that my professor had always been very helpful and made himself available. I was very fond of his teaching style. However, I wish I had put in more effort into study for class. We will be having our midterm next week so I must start studying.

This was also the week that my friends from New York came to visit. Since I had played a major part in planning the trip, it was good to see it finally happen. I was able to spend four days with them and helped make their Disney experience than what was already planned. With them, I finally got a chance to go to universal for the first time since I been here. I had so much fun being on the one fish, two fish, blue fish, and red fish ride in the Dr. Seuess area of the park. The next couple of days I showed my friends around Disney and they loved it. On my friend’s birthday, we had dinner at Artist Point I took two of my friends to see wishes and we were really lucky because we were in the front to see it all. My friends enjoyed their time at Disney and it made me feel good to be a part of that experience. It was bittersweet to have them herue because it was over before I was willing to say good bye to them. However, I really appreciated them being here it give me strength as oddly as that sounds. Disney has been wonderful, but at times it does get hard. It is very easy to get homesick. My friends provided me with a taste of back home and gave me strength to continue.

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Read and React #4

“Why do employees stay?” by John T. Self and Ben Dewald. This a great question to ask many employees. Some employees will only stay because they have no other opportunities and need their job to make ends meet.

The study investigates the possible causes for high turn over rate among the restaurant industry. Unfortunately many restaurant workers don’t make much money and the work can be extremely stressful and exhausting. A high turnover rate in a restaurant can really affect the quality of service and image of the business. Restaurant owners much find effective ways to retain hard-working individual through various form of appraisal such as raises, a complimentary dinner or a simple thank you. This techniques can make a big impact on an employee’s morale and motivate them to work harder because they know their work is being recognized.

In order to create a strong workforce, they must be trained and understand what is expected of them to avoid any confusion. Once employees know their role, they can perform up to standards. Well trained employees feel part of the restaurant and will take pride in their work. As the employees are working hard they also deserve reasonable work schedules and pay. It’s important to have employees working the right amount of hours to have a decent income and not over work them. It’s also important to provide support to those who wish to pursue higher education because they will be thankful for having the opportunity develop a career and their talent may grow in your favor.

The Walt Disney Company appreciates all of the Food & Beverage cast members, by setting up special recognition to all those who are dedicated to their work. Although working F & B is not easy and can be really fast-paced with the support of leaders, all cast members have someone who can lead them when ever in doubt. A great leader can motivate cast members to work to the best of their abilities and their job will not be one which they can’t wait to leave.

 

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Journal #8

Today has been a great day, it was the last day of classes. After successfully completing two presentation one on Transactional Analysis and another on Marriott International, I have completed my two courses at the Disney College Program. It was defiantly a great experience, the instructors were very supportive to all of the students and the students were very enthusiastic about the Disney “way” of learning. It’s been a great experience however I do miss going to class regularly on a College setting.

I must thank Allison and Andrea for being such great team members during our presentation, we certainly did a great job throughout the whole class and we put a lot of effort into putting our presentation together. It was a pleasure working with you ladies!

I can almost see the finish line, time to pack my bags is soon approaching and I am very excited to see my mom, I am a bit sad since this will be the first mother’s day I will not share with her however, I look forward to unexpectedly surprising her home early June.

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Journal #12

This week have been amazing, I can’t believe it’s been four months since I moved in. I have gotten so close with my roommates and my coworkers. Most of my roommates are leaving on May 15. One of my roommates and I are staying which really is sad because we got to move out the apartment by a certain date. I don’t want new roommates. Just thinking of going through this all over again makes me nervous. I just hope that my new roommates are as good as these were.

This week it’s my last week on my Disney classes and I’m extremely nervous. I have final presentation on both classes. I have been the one putting all of my groups work together so it’s a lot of pressure on me. I really want to do well on this because it’s like a final exam, which counts a lot towards the grade. We all have to dress professional and talk for 15 minutes. I don’t like talking in front of people. But I actually have been practicing on what I’m going to say. Hope all goes well.

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Journal Entry # 10

It was about time that I did something in Florida other then going to only Walt Disney World. This week my fellow cast members and I went to Cocoa Beach. As we were going there, we passed through four different toll. It was a surprise too see that all of the tolls only added up to five dollars. I was especially shocked because back in New York City one tolls alone cost more than five dollars. When we got there, I was a bit disappointed because there was a lot of shells in the sand and it was hard to walk on. However, it was still fun laying in the sun and trying to catch some waves. We built a sand castle it is amazing . I felt that it was perfect time to be at the beach in early April because the sand was burning hot but the water was cold. That created a very nice mix. During lunch, we went to Coconut at the Beach and the food was amazing. Having food at Coconut at the Beach it is very unique because it really lets you soaked in all the things about Florida. It is a place like no other that brings out all of Florida’s favorite dishes. After lunch we went back to the beach and enjoyed for a couple of more hours. By the end of the trip, I was glad that I was able to go ro the beach in Florida and even more happy that I did not get any sun burn.

The beach was a great adventure away from work, but after that, it’s been back to reality. Work lately has been slow. The other college programer from my location are getting deploy to the boardwalk. Although it’s just for one week, it’s a nice change. I think this is a great idea since both Swan and Dolphin are non Disney resorts, the change allows us to be somewhere else and see things from another perspective . I am excited and scared when it does happen to me because I will not know what to expect. I would like to think that tjis will help me get out of my comfort zone and meet more of my colleagues.

Later that week it was one of my roommate birthday so I decided to blow balloons for her as she was sleeping the night before. I chose to do this at nihght do that when she will wakeup, it will be a nice surprise for her. We had a nice little celebration for her birthday. It was a great opportunity to bond with my suitmates. I can’t wait till next week when my friends come visit me!

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Read and React 4

Working at Disney World, the place where dreams come true, is not as easy as it seems. While starting work here in the beginning can feel very new and exciting, working in the same role and location can wear on a person after awhile. The honeymoon phase subsides and one’s motivation to work can start to waver.

To keeep myself motivated and keep the magic alive, I like to visit the parks as a guest and experience life at Disney from the other side. Experiencing magical moments for myself is a great mood booster and I keep track of what made my day. Is it when a Cast Member asks me about my day and we talk for more than 5 minutes? Or when a CM surprises me with an extra snack because they know it’s the first time I’m trying it? Even something as simple as a CM walking by me and handing me a sticker with a smile on their face has made me day. I keep all those instances in mind and try to create my own magical moments with guests.

Although there are many CPs working at Disney, I’ve also had the chance to speak to many full-time, permanent Cast Members who have been with the company for more than five years. I’ve come across a CM who worked with the company for over 30! Some of them have retained the same role throughout the years and some have been cross-trained in several roles or positions. What made them stay with the Disney company for so many years?

In the journal article, “Why Do Employees Stay? A Qualitative Exploration of Employee Tenure,” written by John T. Self and Ben Dewald, it’s mentioned that “incentive programs, praise, recognition, and ongoing opportunities for development improve employee retention” (61). Disney also provides these types of programs, opportunities, and rewards for those who have been with the company for a long time. They have the Legacy Award to recognize Cast Members for outstanding work in guest service and for their commitment to the company. They also provide workshops, classes, and events for Cast Members to learn from. Disney offers so many opportunities for Cast Members to grow within the company that it really feels like anything is possible while working here.

Another important note the authors make in the article is that “the interviews conducted with long-term employees reinforced the employees’ sense of loyalty by having management select them and then connect with them in a personal way” (70). I’ve noticed that the merchandise leaders and coordinators at the Art of Animation Resort usually take the time out to speak with each Cast Member about his or her life and are very much aware of the team’s individual lives without prying. Although it’s important to establish a professional relationship, it’s also important for leaders to build a stronger, closer relationship with their team. Although I am not a full-time, permanent Cast Member, one of my leaders set me aside halfway through my program to ask me how I was doing so far. She asked me about my classes and how I was enjoying myself and I really appreciated the brief but personal one-on-one time spent with her.

The most magical part about working for Disney, aside from being able to bring magic into guests’ lives, is feeling that I am appreciated and wanted by the company. It’s only too easy to want to stay working here forever, as many of the current Cast Members have done! We experience magic every day, whether it’s through our guest interactions or with our supportive and strong team.

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Reflective Photo Journal #11

I’m happy to say that my roommates and I received our third White Glove for inspections! We received some nice merchandise as a reward (a Mickey’s glove keychain, DCP water bottle, DCP lanyard) and some cookies as well. I’m really lucky to have roommates that I get along with so well! I was also able to dine at Be Our Guest for dinner with one of the good friends I made during this program. The food was great and I absolutely loved walking around the castle. I’ll have to dine there again!

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Meeting Beast

Aside from the good news on inspections and meeting Beast, it’s been a stressful month as my Disney classes are coming to an end and final presentations are due. With the end of the program also coming up quickly, I’ve been trying to spend as much time as possible in the parks. I’ve been bringing my tablet and schoolwork with my to work on at the parks. I’ve found myself hopping on the bus to Animal Kingdom way too many times just to look around at the animals and listen to the music. I’ve even found hidden little comfort spots in DAK where I can just sit and be at peace while working on my school work. I am, essentially, using Disney World as my backyard and preparing myself for my “lasts.” The last time I’ll watch Wishes, the last time I’ll go on the safari, the last time I’ll watch Fantasmic, go on Hollywood Tower of Terror… There’s still so much I haven’t done yet!

I’m happy to say that although I’m not extending, many of my friends and coworkers are! Most of them will be staying at their location and will most likely go on to be trainers for the new Cast Members coming in next month. I’m excited to hear how they will be doing in the next few months! Star Wars Weekends will be also be put in place right when I leave on May 15 and while I’ll be sad I don’t get to experience it, I was fortunate enough to enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot. I think I will continue to be updated on the happenings of Disney World even when I’m back in New York.

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Reflective Photo Journal #10

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Mombasa Costume

I finally took the opportunity to pick up a shift at Animal Kingdom! I picked up a merchandise shift at Mombasa in Africa and I had so much fun! Just like with my deployment to Magic Kingdom, I got lost finding my way to my work location but a very friendly Cast Member wearing the same costume as me walked with me and explained how to get to my location. DAK is very different from MK and my resort in that in order to get to your location, you have to walk on-stage. When I heard that, it seemed blasphemous. At my resort, we’re never allowed to walk on-stage except for inside our shop (some exceptions aside). However, I quickly got the hang of it and was able to make my way around to the different shops that encompass Mombasa.

I opened up Mariya’s Souvenirs by the Lion King Festival with the help of a floorstock Cast Member and was then left to man the cart by myself for a few hours. This was also very new to me as I’ve always had other Cast Members working alongside me. I had fun being by myself though because it felt like I was given more responsibility. Based on what my friends who work at DAK say and my own experience, it seems like DAK Cast Members are more empowered to create magic for guests. The management at DAK also seems more relaxed but not overly so. They explain what your duties are and will quickly be there to answer questions but they are not hawk-like in their management style.

I wish I had picked up a DAK shift earlier in my program because I would love to have worked there more often. When speaking to future CPs, I will definitely suggest they pick up shifts towards the beginning or middle of their program because they might just find several homes during this program!

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