The Inspiring Cast Member Of A Cast Member Who Overcame The Odds
The Walt Disney Company is celebrating the 5th anniversary of its Aspire program, which has seen countless Cast Members’ dreams come true.
For those who don’t know, the Disney Aspire program began in 2018, with the goal of giving Cast Members an opportunity to get a 100% paid education.
Over the past five years, 3,800 students have graduated and countless others have had their dreams come true. I, however, want to bring your attention to one cast member’s story.
Karen White’s Story
Karen White was a vacation advisor at Walt Disney World when she enrolled in the Disney Aspire program in 2020. She was hoping to achieve her lifelong dream of furthering her education come true.
Karen had never been more excited for an opportunity to chase this dream in her 12 years at Disney. Then, the unthinkable happened.
After finishing her first course, she was diagnosed with stage three cancer.
“I was devastated because this degree had been my dream for my entire adult life.”
Karen Didn’t Give Up
With support from Disney Aspire, her family, and her medical care team, however, Karen was able to continue with her degree.
“I pushed through medical treatments. I lost my hair. But I could still write and I wrote myself all the way to a 3.945 average.”
Fast forward to today, and Karen is not only in remiss, but she completed her degree at Southern New Hampshire University!
“Disney Aspire gave me something to focus on besides fear,” said Karen. “I am so incredibly proud and grateful. I would not have made it without Disney Aspire.”
Hear More of Karen’s Story
To hear more of Karen’s story, check out the video below! I love hearing inspirational stories like this.
Finally, to learn more about how Disney helps Cast Members reach their education goals, visit aspire.disney.com
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