Whether it's working behind the counters, learning about business or teaching through leadership, Key Biscayne local teens and college students are making the best out of their summer break by working hard close to home.
From high schoolers saving money for senior trips, to college students gaining experience in different professional fields, this summer is full of youth stepping into professional roles across the island.
While many teens are spending their summer working typical part-time jobs or relaxing at the beach, Ana Paula Machado has found herself at the center of Key Biscayne's business scene. The rising University of Michigan sophomore is interning at the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce.
Ana Paula Machado at the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce.
From greeting visitors to assisting with event planning, Ana Paula is getting important insights to how the island businesses are supported behind the scenes.
“It was really interesting to see how the Chamber of Commerce uses its online presence (social media platforms, bi-monthly newsletters, updated website) to give a special spotlight to local businesses,” Machado said. “It's even more interesting to have a chance to help from behind the scenes.
“This job has made me appreciate all the events that our local business put together for us, especially those that are often overlooked, as I now know how much effort goes into promoting monthly events happening in the Key! Not only am I helping support local businesses, but I'm also discovering new ones.”
For Maria Pia Jarrin, summer is a chance for her to give back to the sport she loves.
Maria Pia Jarrin with a gymnastics student at the Key Biscayne Community Center.
Pia Jarrin, a rising senior at Gulliver Prep High School, will be spending her break working as a gymnastics coach at the Key Biscayne Community Center, helping younger kids with everything from cartwheels to balance beam bag drills.
After years of doing gymnastics herself, Pia Jarrin is excited to return to her gymnastics roots, this time not only as an athlete but as a mentor. Teaching the next generation is something she's really looking forward to.
“I think it'll be really cool to take on a leadership role in a place that once taught me,” she said. “I have so many memories from doing gymnastics and going to the community center, so seeing it now from the other side is such a great experience. Instead of being the one who was being helped, I'm the one helping and that feels very good. It's not just about gymnastics either, it's about helping the kids build confidence and learning how to connect with them as people.”
Pedro Lauria making coffee at Aguamiel.
Over at the Key Biscayne Community Center’s Aguamiel cafe, Pedro Lauria is also learning more about the summer work life. The rising Miami Dade College sophomore is spending his summer behind the counter, serving coffees, smoothies, acai bowls and snacks to locals.
“I am very excited to start working at Aguamiel,” he said. “I think I will love it and I will learn how to work with coworkers because I believe it makes the job faster, better and just a lot more fun.”
From running events behind the business scene, coaching kids to serving smoothies, local teens are stepping up in all kinds of ways this summer. They're learning new skills, gaining real life experience and giving back to the island they grew up in making their summer very meaningful.
Sophia Fernandes Kingston is an Islander News intern and incoming Senior at Gulliver Prep where she is taking courses on Journalism, Design, and Multimedia. She is also a member of the The Gulliver Yearbook staff and member of the water polo and swimming varsity teams, being named a Miami Herald All-Dade Water Polo 1st Team Selection in 2023/2024.
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