It is a given that people go their separate ways after graduating high school. For former PHS graduate Hannah Sanders, “separate ways” was completely leaving the state of Indiana. Sanders graduated from PHS in 2017, and she was an avid participant in tennis and cheerleading. Being on each of those teams, especially tennis, is what she misses the most from PHS.

After graduation, Sanders attended Ivy Tech Community College and majored in Graphic Design. After some time at Ivy Tech, Sanders made the decision to transfer to University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. While still studying graphic design at UCF, Sanders is registered in Disney World’s College Program which provides internships for students. Making all of these life changing decisions did not come easy to Sanders, especially being so young.

“It was really hard at first, and I do miss my family a lot, but I have made so many great friends here and that really helps,” said Sanders.

Sanders’s internship lasts from January until May, but because Sanders loves working there so much, she has decided to continue working at Disney World part time until she graduates from school. Currently, Sanders works in the custodial department for Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Her job is to help keep the different complexes clean for the athletes and fans who come to watch. Once the internship program officially ends in May, Sanders will be moved to “quick serve” food and beverage. Lastly, because Sanders’s major is Graphic Design, she can draw water art as a part of her job. Drawing Disney characters on the ground for park goers to view would be an example of a job she would have.

“Working at the most magical place on Earth makes life a little easier,” said Sanders.

Disney’s College Program experience will help Sanders with her future career in graphic design. Sanders plans to do a professional internship with Disney and eventually do graphic design work for The Walt Disney Company.

Looking back at her life at PHS, Sanders definitely has things that she misses. As aforementioned, Sanders misses playing tennis and being able to play with her teammates. Not being able to see her friends every day, as she lives in a different state, is hard too. Most of all, Sanders misses media teacher Heather Nichols the most.

Sanders’s life in Florida with attending UCF and working for one of the most popular theme parks in the world will prepare her for future work in graphic design, and she is excited about the future work that will come.

Story by Sara Kesterson