St. Ambrose University graduate Emma Stiener ‘25 is taking her passions for teaching, dance, and storytelling to “the most magical place on Earth” this fall as she begins the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Stiener, who graduated with a degree in elementary education with a reading endorsement, said the opportunity came at a pivotal time.
“I had an inkling that I didn’t want to miss the chance to at least apply,” Stiener said. “After a phone call with my mom on a random Tuesday night, I just decided to go for it.”
Within weeks, Stiener received the acceptance email that would shape her post-graduation plans.
“You can’t say no to that. There’s no way you can pass up on Disney,” Stiener said.
From the classroom to the stage
Stiener spent her final semester at St. Ambrose student teaching in second grade at Pleasant Valley Community School District, calling it “the best experience ever.” She also devoted much of her college life to dance, performing with the SAU white squad dance team and teaching choreography at Above the Barre Dance Academy in Davenport.
“Dance is everything,” she said. “It was always just dance, and I’d love to be able to continue it in Florida, if I can.”
That blend of teaching and performing, she said, translates to her work at Disney.
“You just have to know the kids,” Stiener explained. “That’s one thing I learned a lot about in student teaching – how important it is to just know the students so that you know what they need to be successful. The same thing kind of happens in dance, and I think that will carry over into Disney as well.”
A Role in the magic
Stiener stepped into a merchandise role at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Aug. 25, primarily working along Sunset Boulevard. She’s grown excited about the possibilities that this position will bring for her.
“I think the position offers a unique chance to just talk to a lot of different people,” the former SAU admissions tour guide said. “I loved taking people on tours and talking to families. I’m really excited to be in a space where I can chat with people about how their trips are going.”
She added with a laugh, “And I’ll be inside, so I won’t have to deal with the Florida heat quite as much.”
What’s next
For Stiener, Disney isn’t just a temporary stop – it's long been a dream.
“I’ve always dreamed of dancing for Disney,” she said. “If I could have the opportunity to even go to an audition, just the chance to say that I got to audition for a performance role at Disney would be really cool.”
Although it’s her first time leaving the comfort of her hometown, she said she’s excited and ready to embrace the challenge ahead.
“I am a little bit nervous,” she admitted. “But I’ll live in an apartment complex with all the other people on the program, so I’m surrounded by others close to my age doing the same thing.”
Stiener also plans to take advantage of Disney’s professional development courses offered to program participants, ranging from leadership and finance to storytelling and behind-the-scenes tours.
“The Disney nerd in me is so excited for that stuff,” Stiener said. “There are a ton of learning opportunities in it too.”
Looking back, Stiener said younger Emma would hardly believe what’s ahead. “Little me would maybe die,” she said, laughing. “I’m geeking out over the whole thing.”
