by Christie Oneill, Staff Writer

Imagine working at the most magical place on Earth. For Ethan Whitty, a senior at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI), that is now a reality.
Whitty is currently participating in the Disney College Program (DCP). This program offers students participating in college courses in the United States of America the opportunity to gain work and life experience through a paid internship at the Disney World Company. 
The program places students in one of several key areas of the company, including food service, custodial, merchandise, attractions, entertainment, lodging, and operations. Whitty was selected for the role of resort concierge at Disney’s Board Walk Resort and Villas. 
“I love my job. Some things that I do there are assist guests with purchasing tickets, checking in guests, assisting guests during their stay, and with anything that may occur, or if they need anything,” he said. “Essentially, we’re just there for the guests. They are a number one priority in everything.”
Students in the DCP live in company-provided housing and are offered access to exclusive classes, workshops, and networking events. For Whitty, it’s been both a personal and professional growth experience.
“I was full of excitement for it,” he said, as he recollects when he received his acceptance letter. “I’ve never been out of state for such a long time, so it’s definitely outside of my comfort zone. But I was honestly super excited.”
Whitty, who is majoring in business administration with a concentration in management and leadership, has already worked shifts at several other Disney resorts, including Caribbean Beach, Old Key West, All-Star Sports, and the Beach Club. Next week, he’s scheduled to pick up a shift at Pop Century.

Whitty, who is in his senior year of school studying Business Administration with a concentration in management and leadership, started the DCP during the first week of June and will make magic until the second week of January. Whitty said he is hopeful for future opportunities.
“I’m hoping to extend this program and maybe even work part-time or full-time if the opportunity arises,” he said.
“It’s definitely a great opportunity for everyone,” he explained, “One piece of advice I would give to those is if the opportunity is there, take it because it might not be there in the future. I saw this as an amazing opportunity, applied, and got in. I was like, oh my goodness, and had I waited, I might not have wanted to do this in the future.”
Whitty said he’s made lasting friendships with fellow cast members and enjoys the diversity of people he’s met along the way.
“My roommates are from all over,” he said. “One’s from Connecticut, another from Pennsylvania, and one is from New York.”
Despite his excitement for the DCP, Whitty admits he misses UMPI.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I miss my UMPI family and the friends I’ve made there. I know UMPI has my back, and I’m very thankful for the support the university has given me through everything.”