Graduation spotlight: Temple provided a ‘little bit of magic’ for Emmie Kaplan
By: Cynthia Smith
First Published: May 6, 2024
Topics: Grad, STHM School
Emmie Kaplan’s experience at Disney has helped make her time at Temple a truly magical experience. (Photo courtesy of Emmie Kaplan)
Tourism and hospitality management major Emmie Kaplan credits Temple University for making her dreams come true.
“I have always wanted a career at Disney and am so grateful that my time and connections at Temple led me to the ‘most magical place on Earth,’ ” Kaplan, a member of the class of 2024, says.
In her junior year, Kaplan was accepted into the Disney College Program, an internship program that offers college students the opportunity to work within the organization in a variety of roles.
For Kaplan, the internship has been a total dream come true. Growing up, she always wanted to be a part of this program, so being accepted felt like the first step in her career journey.
“I was still a full-time Temple student while working full-time as a Walt Disney World resort concierge,” Kaplan says. “I had to learn a lot about time management. Even though it was challenging at times, it was so much fun!”
This internship experience allowed Kaplan to meet people from all over the world, many who are now among her closest friends. Not wanting the magic to end, she returned the summer of 2023 to work in merchandising for Disney’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
“I’m a massive Star Wars fan so it was such a special experience for me getting to be a part of the story,” Kaplan says.
Kaplan’s Disney story has continued throughout her senior internship as she now works in recruitment for Disney College and International Programs.
She knows firsthand how life changing and rewarding the experience can be.
What has also been rewarding is her time at Temple.
“It’s hard to pick just one favorite memory, but my senior year Homecoming is up there,” Kaplan states. “I love tailgates at the Linc especially with all my friends, and this having been my last game I attended as a student was so special.”
Emmie Kaplan and Temple friends at Main Campus in Philadelphia. (Photo courtesy of Emmie Kaplan)
She also reminisces about giving tours during Experience Temple Days and the families that would come up to her later and tell her they chose Temple.
“It’s super rewarding to share my experience with other people and see them fall in love with Temple as well,” Kaplan says. “It’s a school where you can really make your college experience whatever you want it to be, based on the location and the diverse student population.”
Cherishing these magical memories and experiences, Kaplan is excited for what’s ahead after graduation.
She will continue as an intern with the Disney College and International Programs recruitment team through January 2025. After that time, she plans to continue her career with the Walt Disney Company, either on the same team or by joining another sector of the company like RunDisney or Disney Events.
“I have loved my time at Temple so much and I know I wouldn’t have my dream internship or best friends without it,” Kaplan says.
