Lisa DeSando, a native of Dallas, Pa., recently graduated from Penn State Wilkes-Barre with a degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences. On May 17, just two days after graduation, DeSando began her job with The Walt Disney Company. DeSando shares some of her story below:
"If college has taught me one thing, it's to follow your passions.
"I have always been passionate about two things: performing and instilling the love of dance in others.
"I chose the Letters, Arts and Sciences degree because it allowed me to meet my career goals by studying multiple disciplines of my choosing and I could not have asked for a more well-rounded degree!
"The core of my studies was focused around the elements of business, education, and dance. Based upon the combination of classes I selected, I am now more prepared as a well-rounded businesswoman, educator, and dancer.
"Throughout these courses I have gained essential skills such as leadership, small business management, conflict resolution, effective communication, and dance appreciation. In addition to being physically prepared to perform, I have also developed a sound knowledge rooted in business, allowing me to evolve with both the dance and business industries. I will be able to utilize these skills not only as an entertainer for The Walt Disney Company but also as a future businesswoman.
"Although opening a dance studio is still my main goal, I have been fortunate enough to be given an opportunity which will expand my knowledge to an even greater degree. I believe my job with the Walt Disney Company is another stepping stone to the many goals I have set for myself and I know I will learn and grow from this process just as I did throughout my college career.
"I would not have been able to obtain this job without the interview skills I learned from Penn State. Penn State helped me manage everything from the layout of my résumé to how to present myself effectively as a candidate in a focused and driven manner.
I cannot thank my professors enough; they have come to be some of the most respected individuals in my life.
"If you haven't guessed it by now, my experiences at Penn State Wilkes-Barre did not prepare me just for my interview or new job, it prepared me for life."