Journalism's Karina Willis heads to walt Disney World

By Angela Javaid

Staff Writer

Meet the Writer

Disney isn’t just where dreams come true, it’s where dreamers are made. And for SOAR freshman, Karina Willis it’s also the first step in what she hopes will be a career as an Imagineer now that she has been selected to attend their Disney Dreamers Academy later this spring.

 Every year, more than 10,000 students from across the country apply to attend the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World. Of those, only 100 students will actually be selected for the four-day weekend in which they participate in interactive workshops, career presentations, motivational talks, and networking opportunities. 

Getting selected to be a part of the DDA is a life-changing opportunity. Past dreamers have used the experience to gain entrance into prestigious universities like Duke and Harvard or become entrepreneurs with businesses like Beaux & Paws. They’ve also had the chance to be mentored by celebrities like Kelly Rowland, Michael Strahan, Steve Harvey, and Adam Blackstone. 

For Willis, she dreams of becoming a Disneyland Imagineer, which is why she applied to the prestigious program. 

Growing up, she thought it was cool to watch how imagineers worked with mirrors and effects to make a story come together.

“It’s just so amazing,” she said. Willis recalls how ecstatic she was when her acceptance letter for the DDA physically came in the mail.“I could hardly contain myself. I never could have actually imagined I would be chosen,” she said. 

To apply, Willis had to submit an application asking her to talk about challenges she’s faced, her favorite Disney character, and future plans. 

For the curious, Willis picked Remy from Ratatouille because he “risks his life to pursue his dreams”.

According to her journalism teacher, Staci Jefferson, Willis’ selection is not surprising given her creative and talented personality.

Jefferson states that she is continually amazed by the depth of talent Willis displays. She is constantly coming to class with different projects she has completed. She has created personalized Monopoly games, cards, slideshow games, and more.

“I am in awe every time Karina comes to class. She usually arrives with a smile and a new project she did just for the sake of being creative and because she thinks someone will like it,” Jefferson says. 

Willis leaves March 25 for the four-day experience at Walt Disney World in Florida. 

Are you a potential Disney Dreamer? According to Disney, Disney Dreamers stand out through many qualities, including intellectual curiosity, compassion for others, courage and optimism. If you want to apply for the DDA as a part of the Class of 2027 and/or beyond, check out disneydreamersacademy.com and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on applications. Just like Willis, maybe you can be a Disney Dreamer in the years yet to come.