Disney academy inspires teen to go for his dreams

Satta Sarmah | Sentinel Staff Writer

September 30, 2008

Irving Wilson, a senior at Evans High School, said the idea of going to college was an afterthought until he attended Disney's Dreamers Academy in January.

"I didn't care too much about college before I went there," said Irving, 18. "I didn't have a clue of really what I wanted to be."

Irving, who now plans to become an architect, was one of 100 high-school students from across the country chosen to attend the first Disney's Dreamers Academy.

Applications for the next academy, scheduled for Feb. 12 to 15, are due today. They are available online at steveharvey.com/ disneysdreamersacademy.

Disney received more than 3,000 applications last year for the program, a joint effort of the company and comedian Steve Harvey. The academy is designed to give minority teens a glimpse into different career paths and inspire them to pursue those professions after high school.

The four-day event at Walt Disney World Resort includes career workshops and speaking events with Disney executives and cast members, celebrities and professional athletes.

"A program like this is necessary anywhere. Young people need to see how their education can get them from where they are to where they want to be," said Xiomara Wiley, vice president of multicultural marketing at Disney.

Irving said that lesson struck a chord with him.

"One of the main things I learned was not to give up on your goals," he said. "No matter whoever influences you or whatever bad influences you have in your life, you have an opportunity to make it better."

Satta Sarmah can be reached at 407-420-5359 or ssarmah@orlandosentinel.com.