Andrea McKenna • July 14, 2026
Borrego Sun Youth Intern Mia Garcia Opens Her First Bank Account
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A first paycheck becomes a lesson in financial independence.
Borrego Sun youth intern Mia Garcia recently reached an important milestone by receiving her first paycheck and opening her first checking account at Frontwave Credit Union in Borrego Springs, formerly CVB.
Mia received her first paycheck while volunteering at OLAX’s community can-recycling collection in the Center Market parking lot. OLAX, Organizacion de Latinx, is a Borrego Springs nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering the local LatinX community. Even in temperatures near 100 degrees, Mia worked steadily alongside other volunteers collecting and sorting cans.
A few days later, we made an appointment at Frontwave, where Mia opened her account and deposited the money she earned through the Borrego Sun Youth Media Apprenticeship Program.
The program recently took a one-week break so Mia could focus on school commitments. She has now returned to her assignments, completed an interview with Maribel Tellez of Maribel’s Chair and will soon interview Diego from Carmelita’s Mexican Grill.
Mia meets weekly for two to three hours and takes responsibility for reaching out, making plans and adjusting dates when needed. The apprenticeship combines media training with practical, real-world experience.
This week, Mia interviewed Maribel Tellez at Alicia’s Desert Spa. Afterward, we went to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, where she helped address networking issues in the office.
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