Who would have thought that a UW biology major with a minor in music would end up with a job at Florida’s Disney World? Certainly not Carolyn Lovano, had you asked her just a few months ago.

 “I have always felt pulled in two different directions – very different directions,” said Carolyn of her interests in both biology and music. Faced with the dilemma over which path to choose, Carolyn decided to concentrate on her strengths in science upon entering the University of Washington. Encouraged by a grade-school teacher, her love of animals and nature, not to mention inspiration from Bill Nye the Science Guy, Carolyn concentrated on a pre-science, pre-med major for her first two years and struggled with difficult biology and science classes. The classes were tough but she powered through.

By her junior year, although her interest in science was still strong, Carolyn knew some spark was missing. Where was she heading and how was she to make choices based on what she knew about herself? She decided to take the Navigating Career Options course offered through the UW Career Center and was inspired by the facilitator’s encouragement to do what you have a passion for. In Carolyn’s case, she realized what she was missing her creative, musical side.

Carolyn headed over to explore the Music Department and decided to go for a minor in Music. The balance of science and the opportunity to develop and explore her love of singing was invigorating. She had her spark back.

Still, what to do with the combination of practical science and creative interests once she graduated was an unanswered question. Another suggestion from Career Center counselor, Patrick Chidsey, was to access the Husky Career Network through the Alumni Association and see who might be working in a field of interest. Searching through a listing of alumni working in environmental health, her attention was caught by an alum working for Disney World as a bird handler.

She quickly learned that Disney World was listed as one of the best places to launch a career. That it’s mission is to “educate through entertainment” struck a chord with Carolyn’s dual passions. Here was an environment that would allow her to use and develop her scientific interests and her need for creativity! She applied for a Disney College Program internship to start after graduation. She was accepted into the 5-month internship and will be moving to Orlando, Florida where she will live in Disney housing with people from all over the country. She will have the opportunity to take courses and may apply for a Disney Professional Internship.

Whatever happens next one can be certain that Carolyn will be pro-active and seek out options rather than putting on blinders and following a narrow path….and ultimately, who knows, perhaps like her childhood idol, Bill Nye, she will have her own educational and entertaining “Carolyn’s World” TV show!

— Written by Alyce Mallett