When most students her age were navigating high school hallways, Hayden Davis was already mapping out her future in the hospitality industry. After charting her own education path, including an exciting Disney co-op, Hayden is set to graduate with an associate degree in hospitality and recreation management at the same age many of her peers are just finishing high school.
"I like to jump into things," Hayden explained, "But for as impulsive as I am, I'm always planning ahead."
This balance of planning and action has defined Hayden's unconventional journey through education—a journey that began around age 12 when she first developed an interest in hotel management. While Hayden enjoyed high school, she recognized early that the traditional pace wasn't aligned with her goals.
"The reason I wanted to get out of high school is that my larger goal is getting into owning and running hotels," she said.
After extensive research into her options, Hayden enrolled in QCC's dual enrollment program, transitioning fully to college coursework after just one year of traditional high school and a year of homeschooling during COVID.
"I knew I was capable of it," she reflected. "I start projects with the intention of finishing them."
This determination paid off when Hayden achieved a co-op placement at Walt Disney World—a highly competitive program that accepts only 10% of applicants.
"I know that Disney has a high standard of hospitality and a bit of prestige that comes with saying you worked there," she said.
During her six-month placement, Hayden worked in guest relations and custodial services at Magic Kingdom. The schedule wasn't easy, but she relished the opportunities that the co-op provided.
"I would get to work and hear music playing and see Cinderella and Goofy- all of a sudden I'm not tired anymore," she recalled, adding, "It's not really about the actual work, it's about the experience you get from it. You're learning so much."
In true hospitality fashion, Hayden enjoyed connecting with the guests the most. She recalled many conversations, including one about an elaborate homemade Tinkerbell costume, that would enhance the experience of the guests and make her day brighter.
"People love being recognized in that way," she commented.
Being away from home for the first time and living in the employee housing apartments also taught Hayden valuable life skills.
"I gained the ability to manage my time well when it came to home life, where I had to take care of myself," she said, adding that she enjoyed working alongside people from diverse backgrounds and making new connections.
Wasting no time, Hayden has already secured her next adventure—a position as an excursion director with American Cruise Lines. While cruise ships weren't initially part of her hospitality vision, she recognized how the role will allow her to bond with guests in a different way. As an excursion director, she'll coordinate transportation, align with vendors onshore and encourage guests to participate in activities.
"I'm a little nervous but that's life, right?" Hayden said.
Though she didn't have a traditional high school or college experience, Hayden has no regrets and encourages other students to assess their values and then go at their own pace.
As she prepares to set sail on her next adventure, Hayden Davis reminds the QCC community that knowing what you want—and having the courage to pursue it, sometimes means creating your own map.