Nicole Sanchez is a wizard. You may have read that and wondered, “How is she a wizard? Wizards aren’t real…” but they are at Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter where Nicole spends part of her week. Nicole works as a wand distributor in Dervish and Bange’s at Orlando’s Universal theme park, but not only does she give the power of magic to tourists and residents alike, she is also a student, a writer, a leader and a friend. Nicole Sanchez is a sophomore at the University of Central Florida who is majoring in Communication and Conflict with minors in Mass Communication and Writing and Rhetoric and has had the opportunity to learn about a number of communication-related topics from advertising and journalism to human conflict. Nicole is an exemplary student, a member of the Campus Activities Board at UCF, a fellow writer for Her Campus and an employee. I was able to get a chance to talk to Nicole about her activities, her experiences and her hopes for the future.
Q: Why did you decide to come to UCF?
A: I decided to come to UCF because I have always been in love with Orlando! I grew up in Tampa so the campus seemed close enough to home, but just far away enough to have my own freedom.
Q How did you first get involved with Her Campus and why?
A: I got involved with Her Campus after I saw my friend Brenda start writing for them. I have always been interested in writing so Her Campus seemed like the perfect opportunity to start! The fun community and support system were definite deal breakers.
Q: How do you think being a part of CAB has affected you?
A: I joined the CAB Concert Committee because I have always been known as the girl who goes to way too many concerts. It has affected me by letting me work with an amazing group of people who all have the same interests.
Q: What is the best part about working at Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
A: The best part of working there, even though it sounds cheesy, is getting to live out my childhood dream every week. Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like work because I just get to talk about Harry Potter to guests all day long!
Q: What is the craziest thing that has happened there?
A: The craziest thing was having a teenage girl start crying when I helped her pick out her wand because she was so grateful and so in love with Harry Potter. Her parents came up to me and thanked me after for, “making their daughter’s dream come true.” I have also seen multiple guests start crying when they turn the corner and see the Hogwarts Castle for the first time and it always is my favorite part of the day.
Q: What is your favorite memory that you’ve had so far at UCF?
A: My favorite memory just occurred when I got to work the CAB concert for DNCE! I got the chance to meet them and walk around with an official badge that made me feel too cool.
Q: What type of career do you want to pursue once you graduate?
A: In the future, I hope to venture into the world of the entertainment side of public relations! I would love to work anywhere from a PR agency to a press agent working with the hottest celebs
Q: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
A: Open-minded. Adventurous. Kind- hearted.
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: I would advise incoming freshman to get involved around campus as much as possible! The school can seem so big at first but getting involved automatically makes it seem so much smaller! I have changed so much since coming to UCF because I was able to put myself out there and no freshman should be scared to do the same…IT’S THE BEST SCHOOL EVER!
I was happy to learn more about Nicole’s experiences and endeavors and Her Campus UCF wishes her the best in the future!