Landan Harris, an Honors College student at Southwest Virginia Community College (Southwest), has been selected to join the Disney College Program, where he will be immersed in a world-renowned customer service environment at Walt Disney World.
For Harris, a pre-med major eyeing a career in optometry, the opportunity is a strategic step to mesh his healthcare aspirations with exceptional service skills. He sees this experience as a way to enhance patient care in his future practice, bringing the enchantment and attentiveness of Disney’s hospitality to medical settings.
His education at Southwest propels him toward his doctorate in optometry on an expedited schedule. This is made possible through an articulation agreement between Southwest and the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry, enabling Harris to achieve his doctorate in six years — two years less than the typical eight-year track.
Harris credits Southwest for his broadened outlook on education and service. “Southwest isn’t just a place where you are stuck in the mountains, but it connects you to the world. Opportunity is abundant,” said Harris. As a part of the Honors College, Harris recently traveled on an experiential learning trip to New York City with his peers.
Set to graduate from Southwest in spring 2024, he will take his final year’s courses online while participating in the Disney College Program in Florida, demonstrating the flexibility and reach of the college’s educational offerings.
In addition to his studies, Harris contributes to the college community as a tutor. His journey is a testament to the college’s mission to nurture and challenge students, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to their localities and beyond.
Harris’s post-graduation goal is to work in a general care optometry clinic in the southwest Virginia region.