Zoey Nettles

Who or what inspired your passion in this area?

I grew up in Florida and when I visited Disney World as a kid I was always so inspired by the way that families connected with one another in that atmosphere. Seeing people make those lasting memories together was truly magical and I want to be a part of the team that makes that happen. 

Can you share a memorable story from your time at Flagler that always makes you smile?

A memorable moment at Flagler was when I went on the first-year Disney trip. I remember having a full-circle moment because attending Flagler was the next step in achieving my dream of working for the Disney company, and getting to partake in that Flagler tradition made me feel like I was right where I was supposed to be.  

Which academic resources, experiences, or mentors at Flagler were most valuable to you, and how did they contribute to your success?

Some of my most valuable mentors at Flagler include Holly Hill, Erin Horan, Dr. Paige Chapman, and Dr. Minji Kim. They each inspired me in many ways pertaining to different aspects of my life and career. Through these amazing faculty members, I learned lessons in marketing, production, photography, journalism, and research that I will be applying directly to my future pursuits.

What advice or lesson would you give to your freshman year self about the college experience?

Though I didn’t attend Flagler as a freshman, I would encourage first-year students to get involved on campus and attend events. I would also remind myself to treat every project like a portfolio piece, while still giving yourself grace and not expecting everything to be perfect. You’re on a journey of learning, and that means growing through both successes and mistakes! 

In the Flagler spirit, how do you hope to make history after graduation?

I hope to make history by becoming an all-in-one storyteller for the Walt Disney Company and to be hired on following my upcoming internship. My long-term goal is to grow into a creative executive role and help lead the next generation of storytelling at Disney.