Story By: Amanda Boothe

MONTEVALLO, Ala.- Ahtziri Chavez, a Montevallo native and a University of Montevallo Mass Communication alum pursued many things during her years at UM: sorority, College Night, working as an intern for the World Cup. But once she graduated, Ahtziri wanted to do something to get her out of her comfort zone and experience new things away from Montevallo.

Ahtziri decided to apply for the Disney College Program on a whim. “I was applying to be in the newscast, but then I said let’s see what Plan B is. My best friend and I we were just looking at college programs and saw the Disney College Program, and I looked at her and I said what if I just apply and go for it. Unexpectedly, I got accepted.”

This was not the only plan Ahtziri had though; she was in the process of applying at LIDER, a Hispanic radio station in Hoover. LIDER offered her a job, but she wanted to wait and see where Disney could take her. “I got the job in Hoover, and I told them I would be at Disney for six months, but I will be able to come back,” Ahtziri said. “I wanted to experience something different. I was in Montevallo for 22 years. I wanted to leave Montevallo and explore life.”

“Have an open mind, open eyes and open heart”

Ahtziri Chavez

Although traveling so far from Montevallo was out of her comfort zone, she found herself doing the food vending job naturally. Ahtziri grew up working with food and helping out around her dad’s restaurant, Zapopan Mexican Restaurant. “Food didn’t leave from me. My parents own a restaurant. I work at the restaurant. It is basically what I lived for my whole 22 years,” she said. Although the job she was assigned came naturally to her, she still learned new skills and says that it has benefited her. “This program has made me more beneficial. I know to balance myself for free time and adult time.”

Throughout her time at Montevallo, she kept a motto: “Have an open mind, open eyes, and open heart.” Ahtzriri was told this by her big in Alpha Gamma Delta, and she went on to tell other girls this too. “I told them to have an open mind, open eyes, and open heart,” she said “Lydia [Alpha Gamma Delta sister] told me she kept that motto during her times during recruitment.” Ahtziri continues to use this motto for new, uncertain things like Disney.

Being at Disney has opened many doors for Ahtziri, and she continues to light up the worlds of the guests at Disney. “This lady was asking for a limited edition Mickey bucket, I gave her the last one and she bawled tears. She came back and she gave me a piece of paper with candy saying thank you for making our trip magical,” Ahtziri said. “The small things make a big difference for a guest, and as a cast member, that’s why I love it. Your heart does a happy dance.”