Student Spotlight: Emily Spory

Hello again! This week we have senior Emily Spory. Emily is an Illustration major who enjoyed her time in the Disney College Program and offers some advice to those considering to apply.

Meet Emily

Name: Emily Spory, Class of 2017

Major: Illustration

I am majoring in Art because: It’s what I’ve always been good at. I’m a lost cause when it comes to math or science. I know it’s not the easiest and most lucrative field, but I’d rather be doing something I love than slaving away at something I hate.

The kinds of things that inspire me are: Other artists, nature, video games, books… lots of caffeine.

When I’m not in class: I’m home, playing video games like Overwatch and Destiny. I’m also on the internet watching YouTube and on Instagram, and taking care of my birds (two cockatiels, a cinnamon green cheek conure, and a lutino parakeet). I also work at A.C. Moore up in Dickson City on the weekends.

The coolest thing I’ve done so far was: I did the Spring Advantage Disney College Program last spring and summer. I worked Food and Beverage at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resort in the Beach Club Marketplace Quick Service location. It was an interesting experience, to say the least, and if anyone is looking to apply, know it is A LOT of work. Do your research, read the good reviews, the bad reviews, really think hard about if it’s the right program for you. Everyone has vastly different experiences! You do not get to choose where the company puts you, and your work schedule is up to the mercy of the time of and year and guest traffic. Disney puts up with very little, and will terminate you for missing too much work, or drinking in a dry apartment, or doing something that tarnishes the company’s values and rules. BUT, it really was a great experience. That was the longest I’ve ever been away from home (January to August), and it taught me a lot of lessons of how to live with nasty roommates and be independent.

When I graduate: I hope to find a job or jobs working for publishing companies on children’s books or book jackets, character design. Really, I have so many interests and can go so many different routes that I’m not sure where I’ll end up.

I’d recommend the Art program at Marywood because: although the program has had its ups and downs the past couple years, the professors running it now are really stellar and amazing people. Steven Brower has done so much and is working really hard to get the program sparkling. On another note, I’m a commuter, so I live quite close (in Scranton).