A future anesthesiologist, filmmaker and attorney all began laying the groundwork for their dreams at the Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA), held March 26–30 in Orlando.
Each year, Walt Disney World selects 100 high school students for this annual mentoring program—not just to help them dream big, but to show them those dreams are within reach.
RoyalTee Magazine caught up with three of this year’s Dreamers to talk about their goals. And let’s just say—while the world may seem chaotic, the future looks bright with these teens in it.
Torrick Pierce
Aspiring filmmaker Torrick Pierce, 18, was first exposed to the program by his parents.
The Fort Lauderdale teen attends Dilliard High School and aspires to pursue a career in visual storytelling. During the Academy, he attended a career quest where he got the opportunity to become a storyboard artist and make his own short film.
“I learned at each session that my dreams will never exceed my imagination,” says Torrick. “I can’t achieve what I don’t believe. I’m inspired to work hard, to move from dreaming to doing.”
He also fulfilled his dream of meeting actor Owen Osborne, who shared a few words of wisdom with him.
“He’s definitely gentle and humble,” Torrick reflects on meeting Owen. “He said keep doing what I do best.”
But the most important takeaway for Torrick was gaining confidence in himself and overcoming the doubts and nervousness that his autism could sometimes bring.
“It made me more confident because being patient is key to bright futures ahead,” he says.
DDA was also impactful for Torrick’s mother, Telfair. Activities such as the parental breakout sessions sparked a new empowering mindset in her that she is encouraged to instill in her son.
“It gave me the confidence to revisit and speak directly to deferred dreams,” she says. “I believe without having perception to match my inspiration turned into a dream deferred until I came along with my son to DDA. The dreams imagined years ago were awakened!”
Outside of his artistic pursuits, Torrick is a well-rounded student. He’s a member of the varsity swim team, serves as the treasurer for the First Priority Club, and stays active in his school community. After graduation, he plans to major in visual storytelling, with Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Bowie State University at the top of his college list.
Tori mentioned Alex Hirsch, the creator of Gravity Falls, as one of his creative influences. Closer to home, he finds support and encouragement from a close friend
Torrick intends to take the confidence and skills he gained from DDA and incorporate them into his day-to-day. “Don’t change who you are and be original,” he says, “because that’s the right way you’ll go in life.
Rihana Tape
At 17 years old, Rihana Tape is already redefining what it means to be a dreamer. After being selected DDA she returns with a transformed mindset and a powerful message.
“My overall experience was truly unforgettable,” she reflects. “I learned so many valuable lessons at Disney’s Dreamers Academy. After this experience, I am currently finding ways to better myself and I now understand that my dreams are truly limitless.”
The journey to Disney began almost by chance.
“My mom actually told me about the program, and I applied the night before it was due,” she recalls with a laugh. It wasn’t her first introduction to Disney’s outreach efforts—she had previously attended a Disney-sponsored HBCU event—but this opportunity felt different.
Despite the last-minute application, her unique blend of academic dedication and heartfelt ambition stood out. After attending the four-day experience at Walt Disney World, Rihana describes it as nothing short of transformative.
The 17-year-old senior is already a scholar with a full plate. She’s a full-time student at Clayton State University, part of a dual enrollment program and is on track to graduate high school with 30 college credits under her belt. Her interests stretch across psychology, law, music, and crafting. But her ultimate dream is to become a lawyer.
“I enjoy mock trial so much,” she says. “That’s what I do inside of high school right now, and law is just my passion.”
She added, “I want to help people who aren’t always protected in the system.”
But she doesn’t plan on stopping there. Rihana wants to get her bachelor’s in psychology, her juris doctorate and a psych doctorate so she can also become a psychologist.
If Rihana stays on track, she would be the first lawyer in her family.
Her inspiration also comes from strong mentors, such as Judge Danielle Roberts, a local Superior Court judge in her county and her mock trial coach. “She does it all—she’s a mom, a judge, and just amazing. I really look up to her.”
Further reflection on the Disney Dreamers also taught her to give herself some grace.
“As a student with high goals, I often put an immense amount of pressure on myself to succeed,” she says. “This Academy taught me that failing is okay, and that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. I am now learning day by day the importance of forgiving myself for past mistakes thanks to DDA.”
While DDA offered a variety of educational and career-focused sessions, it was the personal growth Rihana experienced that left the deepest impression.
“I can truthfully say that everything I learned was interesting,” she says. “But what stood out to me the most were the overall life lessons I was taught at DDA. As a student with high goals, I often put an immense amount of pressure on myself to succeed. This Academy taught me that failing is okay, and that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself.”
“I am now learning day by day the importance of forgiving myself for past mistakes thanks to DDA.”
Another powerful takeaway for Rihanna was the importance of presence, poise, and perspective.
“I have taken away so much from this experience. First, I have learned the value of speaking up and the importance of being able to make connections because you truly never know who is watching,” she shares.
“Furthermore, this program has taught me that confidence truly is one of the many keys to success! Although I have learned much more, my final takeaway would be the significance of being able to take corrections. I have now learned to take corrections as redirections and that they are separate from who I am. I am so honored and grateful to be able to call myself a Disney Dreamer, and I thank everybody involved for giving me this opportunity.”
Both her mother and brother are graduates of Florida A&M University and while her father is an alum of Florida State University.
“I really want to go to an HBCU—I’m waiting to hear back from Howard,” she says with hope. “If they offer me a good scholarship, I’ll be in D.C.”
Her final piece of advice for fellow dreamers?
“Someone once told me to be selfish, and at first I didn’t like how that sounded,” she says. “But it means putting yourself first, not letting others steer you away from your path. When you do that, you can really follow your dreams.”
Kaitlyn Smith
Kaitlyn Smith attended DDA to make new friends and take a bold step towards her dreams.
“One of my dreams is to become an anesthesiologist, because I want to be able to help people, and being a doctor is one of the best ways to do that,” she says.
The 15-year-old junior from Mount Dora, Fla. Teen is already on a trailblazing, fast-track to dominate the medical field. She’s part of her high school’s Biomedical Sciences Institute, a four-year program that allows students to learn and experience the skill of medical professionals.
Her grandmother, who is an anesthesiologist, inspired her to get into medicine. “She was the first person to show me, kind of the ropes,” says Kaitlyn. “I went with her on a mission trip, and she showed me all the different things, how you would do it, how you interact with patients, stuff like that. And so, she’s been a huge help.”
One of the resounding themes at DDA was motivating the kids to explore their purpose. Kaitlyn shared with RoyalTee how the experience pushed her to secure in her own individuality, something she admits struggling with.
“It’s one of my things of trying to be able to know myself and be true to myself and everything that I do,” she says. “And so I’ve been working towards that, and I think that I’ve gotten to truly be the true person that I am, especially here at Dreamers.”
After graduation, Kaitlyn wants to attend the University of Florida and study biology. “Wherever life takes me, I’m ready,” speaking with optimism about her future. “I want to go to college and start a new career and it’ll be great.”
Applications for DDA 2026 will be announced later this year. To learn more about DDA go to disneydreamersacademy.com.
