The Saint

Issue date: 9/4/09 Section: Entertainment

Amber Lee with Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Amber Lee

Amber Lee

Every little girl dreams of becoming a princess, but English major, Amber Paige Lee actually reached that dream this summer. Amber applied to be an intern at the Walt Disney World in Orlando while she was a freshman here at NGCSU. There she learned many things that helped her win the National American Miss Georgia Teen in 2009.

Amber has dreamed of working at Disney ever since "Disney saved [her] life" when she was two years old. She was born with no immune system and had to have a surgery to fix the problem. Her parents couldn't be in the room with her, instead, she had the comfort of her Princess Jasmine doll. Since then Amber has wanted to give back to Disney on the chance that she may help other children be happy.

In January of this year Amber enrolled in the "Disney College Program," a paid internship for college students. The internship provided apartments for the students, and a shuttle back and forth to the Magic Kingdom.

Amber worked as a cashier at The Emporium on Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom. The Emporium is the busiest store in America, and makes more money per square foot than any store in the world. She also spent time working in the nursery behind Cinderella's Castle.

Amber said the people she worked with at Disney were from all over the world but it was like they were a family with the purpose of making people happy. She also said that the diversity made her proud of where she is from, and that she became "more patriotic while working at Disney."

Amber explained that, along with patriotism, Disney gave her high standards and confidence in life. Upon returning home Amber used this new-found confidence to enter the National American Miss Teen Pageant.

The pageant took place in Atlanta, July 3-5 at the Hilton hotel. After being judged on formal wear, her personal introduction, an interview, and her community involvement, Amber was unanimously named National American Miss Georgia Teen 2009 out of 126 contestants. Amber said she "definitely would not have won the pageant were it not for the lessons [she] learned while working at Disney."

Amber describes holding her title as "such an honor" and looks forward to fulfilling her "crown duties." She will hold the title until July 2010 when she crowns the new winner.

Amber competes in November for the title of National American Miss Teen against the winners from every other state. The competition takes place in Hollywood, California and includes a free trip to Disney Land, along with other site-seeing activities.

Now back at NGCSU, Amber says she is "sad [her] fairy tale is over" but feels overwhelmed with the friendly welcome back. She said she "feels at home at North Georgia" and is looking forward to getting more involved on campus by being a traditional student this year.

Amber plans to return to Disney World for a different role in the company, once her rein in Georgia is fulfilled.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools