Khushi Talluru is a 15-year old who dreams of becoming a doctor.
The Lakewood Ranch High School student was recently selected to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help her achieve her future goals.
Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA) is an educational mentorship program created and hosted by Walt Disney World Resort.
Since 2008, the program has inspired more than 1,300 students as they prepare for their futures.
Disney Dreamers are selected from thousands of applicants who answer essay questions about themselves and their dreams for the future.
Khushi and 99 other students from across the U.S. received an all-expenses paid trip to Orlando in early March to hear inspirational stories and participate in leadership and career workshops.
Special guests included entertainer Kelly Rowland (Destiny's Child), as well as fashion designers Misa Hylton and Jerome LaMaar.
Khushi was one of eight Florida students in attendance, the only one from Manatee County.
In her own words, here's a brief glimpse of her experience:
Day One - This is me checking into the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort.
Here's a photo of me holding the "Florida" sign while walking in the traditional Disney Dreamers parade at the Magic Kingdom.
Here's my "deep dive" group. Our deep dive was an in-depth discussion about what careers we're interested in for the future.
This is a photo of me and Zalia Avant-garde, the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion. She is one of my biggest role models - and we became friends during the Disney Dreamers Academy.
My fellow dreamers inspire me to do my best!
Disney Dreamers having fun! This is a photo of me and my fellow dreamers before riding Soarin' at Epcot. Disney taught us to enjoy life and reap the rewards of our successes.
Here's me at DDA graduation showing off the ring that dreamers received. Fun fact: All 100 dreamers walked in a line from one side of the room to the other to become DDA alumni. I was the first to graduate!
Finally, this is me in my "dress for success" business outfit for the Disney Dreamers after-party. We learned at the academy how to dress professionally and market our own image.
I'm honored to have been chosen for DDA and to be featured on #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews.
Thanks to Khushi for providing photos and details about her amazing experience!