Andrea McKenna • July 3, 2026
A Summer Day in Borrego Springs Through the Eyes of a Youth Intern
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Through the Borrego Sun Youth Internship Program, Mia Garcia is learning how to tell community stories while building confidence, communication skills, and real-world media experience.
Borrego Sun youth intern Mia Garcia shares a summer day in Borrego Springs through her eyes.
As part of the Borrego Sun Youth Internship Program, we asked 14-year-old Mia Garcia to document a summer day in Borrego Springs and tell us what her day looks like, where she goes, and what she wants people to know.
Starting the Day
Mia says her family's mornings follow a familiar rhythm.
"Our day starts like any other day," Mia said. "We wake up early getting ready for the day."
A Scenic Drive
Mia's older sister, Maria, attends the ASES Summer Program at the middle school. Even though the school is just two minutes from home, the family always takes the long way, down Henderson Canyon Road, to pass the Galleta Meadows sculptures.
"We take Henderson Canyon Rd every day, right by all the Galleta Meadows sculptures, such as the serpent, the camels, turtles, or the dinosaurs," Mia said.
She hasn't seen all 130-plus sculptures scattered around town yet, but she's hopeful.
"If we wake up earlier, our mom could take us to almost all of the 130 structures," she said. "We haven't seen all of the beautiful structures, and someday I sure hope we do."
The Middle of the Day
While Maria is at summer program, Mia spends her time with her mom, helping out around the office.
"I help around the office by taking out the trash, washing dishes, wiping down tables and counters, and doing whatever else needs to be done," Mia said. "I like helping my mom because it makes her day a little easier."
Cooling Off
If the timing works out, the day includes a stop at Jilberto's.
"If we're lucky, during the day my mom will take us to Jilberto's for ice cream," Mia said. "It doesn't happen every day, so it's always a special treat."
Mia wanted to make sure Jilberto's Taco Shop and owner Patti Gonzalez got their thanks.
"I want to say thank you, Jilberto's, for all they do for the community," she said. "Jilberto's is always the restaurant to give a helping hand."
She added that Jilberto's is a steady supporter of OLAX, Borrego Springs Little League, and other community events, always ready to provide food, drinks, or whatever else is needed.
Giving Back
Volunteering is a constant thread in Mia's summer, whether it's the CRC food bank, Vacation Bible School, or Organizacion de Latinx (OLAX) events.
"During the summer, when there often aren’t enough volunteers, I help wherever I can." Mia said. "Whoever needs help, I participate in as many communities who are in need of volunteers as I possibly can."
Each experience has taught her something different. Vacation Bible School, she says, showed her how to care for children in need, "almost like a teacher would, or a caretaker such as a babysitter." Helping at the CRC taught her that meeting new people is worthwhile: "If a friend introduces you to one of their friends, then introduce yourself! Who knows, maybe you'll have things in common."
The food bank left the biggest impression.
"What the food bank has taught me is to ask questions and not be afraid to interact with others," Mia said. "Day by day I realized I love talking to others. I feel comfortable asking questions... from their backstories, to their dreams, and I love the feeling I'm the kind of person people could talk to when they need support."
Ending the Day
Mia also has advice for anyone hoping to enjoy a Borrego Springs summer, from the sculptures to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
"It's another fun place to be even in the summer time," she said, "just be cautious, wear clothes that keep you cool and safe especially in the desert, and look at your surroundings and make sure you have a lot of water."
Learning From Mia’s View of Borrego Springs
Mia and I spend about 2 to 5 hours each week working on assignments, reviewing her submissions, building confidence, and developing storytelling skills. I’m learning from her too.
Our Borrego Springs youth have a unique way of seeing the world. They are thankful, thoughtful, happy, and often both grounded and wise beyond their years while still holding onto the joy of growing up in a small community.
Mia reminds me how special that perspective is, and I’m grateful to help her find her voice while she helps me see Borrego Springs through hers.
Mia's summer life...
What Mia Learned — Mentor Notes
This assignment helped Mia document her day, recognize a local business, gather photos and observations, and see how everyday experiences can become community stories.
She spent time with her family taking pictures around Borrego Springs and visiting Jilberto’s Taco Shop to recognize the business for its support of the community.
We first met at the Borrego Water District, where Mia and I began shaping her submission and reviewing her ideas.
We continued the next day at the RAM Media Foundation office at 730 Christmas Circle, where Mia worked on organizing her notes and reviewing her photos. While there, she interacted with people who came through the office,, including Mary Watkins of Borrego Valley Realty, Melissa Huston of Riviera Farms, and, of course, Millie the dog.
We had about an hour and a half together before Mia had to leave for music practice at BAMA.
Through this assignment, Mia practiced documenting real experiences, sharing her perspective, meeting deadlines, and understanding how local stories are built from the people and places around her.
Read Mia's first article in Borrego Sun: A Fun Night of Community Collaboration
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