NSU grad from Ragley overcomes setbacks, launches hospitality career at ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’

NATCHITOCHES - Hallie Guidry of Ragley, a graduating senior at Northwestern State University, is already on an exciting career path at Walt Disney World, but her journey to earning a degree through NSU's Hospitality Management and Tourism program was anything but easy. Serious health issues impacted her life and studies, but her determination to return to Disney motivated her to keep going.

After graduating from South Beauregard High School in 2019, and with a desire to help others, she enrolled at NSU as a nursing major but before applying for clinicals, discovered the Walt Disney World College Program, an internship opportunity in which college students work at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando for a semester or a full year. She applied and was accepted in May 2021 and moved to Orlando that June to work as a seater at Kona Café in Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

"I really had no intention of returning home," she said. "I was set on finishing my nursing degree at the University of Central Florida and continuing to work for Disney, but for health reasons, I had to return home to Louisiana. In between January and June 2022, I went through three brain surgeries at Memorial Hermann in Houston to correct my health concerns."

When she was able to return to campus in the spring of 2023, she had decided to change majors to HMT and to seek further opportunities with Disney.

"I really think it is a better fit for me, because I quickly learned that even though the medical field wasn't for me, I could still help people every day in a different way and make a difference," Guidry said. "The faculty in HMT really go out of their way to do everything they can to help you succeed. Mrs. McKenna Marsh, Dr. Valerie Salter [program coordinator] and the rest of the HMT faculty have really helped me realize that this is the place where I am supposed to be."

During her Disney interview, Guidry mentioned an interest in becoming a concierge.

"When I got my role as concierge at Wilderness Lodge, I couldn't believe it. I have stayed at Wilderness Lodge as a guest, but to be able to walk into the gorgeous lobby to go to work every day is amazing. I get to have those one-on-one guest interactions every day and create magic for guests in many different ways."

Guidry has extended her position through January 2025 at which time she would like to start a full-time position with the Walt Disney Company, but even if that doesn't work out, she plans to stay in central Florida and work in the hospitality industry.

Health concerns, however, had a big impact on Guidry's life.

"I started having seizures when I was younger, and for a while they were completely controlled by anti-epileptic medications. While I was participating in my first Disney College Program, I had multiple seizures within the six-month span that I was there, which is what ultimately made me return home to Louisiana. After my surgeries in Houston, I have had no major issues, and I am healthy. I have a wonderful team of neurologists and neurosurgeons in Houston, and I have even discussed with them that my main goal has always been to return to Disney."

"I remember in the Fall 2023 semester, when I was preparing for my internship this semester, I told Dr. Salter that I didn't care what it took, I wanted to come back to Disney. Since I changed my major to HMT, my end goal has always been to return to the Walt Disney Company. I get to walk into work in Wilderness Lodge every day while they're celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, and I can't believe I get to be a part of this celebration. I got to be a part of the Walt Disney World 50-year anniversary during my first Disney College Program as well."

Guidry offered thanks to NSU faculty who helped her find her path.

"I want to thank Dr. Salter and Mrs. Marsh for helping me realize my new dream, and for helping me take the steps to achieve this dream. I want to thank the entire HMT department for helping me adjust to a completely new career path that I didn't know much about and helping me learn everything that I needed to prepare me for my internship. I would also like to thank [nursing faculty] Mrs. Tamera Baxter and Dr. Shaun Wheat for guiding me to the HMT department, because if I had not sat in their office and talked to them about my dilemma, I may not have ended up in the wonderful place I am today."

"Between my two college programs, I can't believe that I have been able to be a part of some of the largest celebrations that Disney has celebrated at the Walt Disney World Resort. No matter where I end up next following my College Program, whether it be in a full time or part time position with Disney or another hospitality company here in Central Florida, I will always be thankful for all of the opportunities that Disney has given me."

NSU will hold commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 and at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9 in Prather Coliseum. The ceremonies will also be streamed online. Details and answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available at www.nsula.edu/graduation.

Information on NSU's HMT program can be found at https://www.nsula.edu/hmt/.

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