People and Community

Work and play top students’ summer itinerary

As the spring semester comes to an end, students summarize their plans for the upcoming time off from school. Many are looking forward to getting a break and reconnecting with family.
An aerial view of the University Center Pool and Lakeside Village on the Coral Gables Campus. Photo: TJ Lievonen/University of Miami
An aerial view of the University Center Pool and Lakeside Village on the Coral Gables Campus. Photo: TJ Lievonen/University of Miami

Although the summer season officially begins on June 20, students are beginning to gear up for their time off as the spring academic semester nears its end. 

Some University of Miami students shared their plans for the summer break.


Lia MussieLia Mussie, a first-year student studying ecosystem science and policy, plans to spend her summer traveling and relaxing before returning to school in the fall.  

“I’m really looking forward to having a break right now. After this semester, I’m feeling a bit tired, so hopefully these months off will help,” Mussie said, adding that she’s looking forward to reconnecting with family members in Georgia for the first time in more than a year.


Nate DumontNate Dumont, a junior studying creative advertising, plans to spend his summer in Miami to assist with the University’s Summer Scholars program. Dumont, who serves as the chair of the University of Miami’s spirit programming board Category 5, also plans to use his down time to prepare the organization for the upcoming academic year.

“We have exciting plans in the works. We’re hoping we can do bigger events in the upcoming year, so we’re gearing up for that and football season during our summer off,” Dumont said.


Arielle Marie Charlot SwilleyArielle Marie Charlot Swilley, a first-year student studying gender and sexuality, is hoping to find a summer job in Washington, D.C., not too far from her hometown in Maryland. Aside from her plans to work through the summer, Swilley only wants to do one thing––sleep.

“I’m looking forward to sleeping without worrying about anything that has to do with school,” she said. “That will be so nice.”


Daniella SanchezDani Sanchez, a senior advertising major, will be on the hunt for a summer job—in Miami, or a remote position. Sanchez is also looking forward to traveling after graduation. 

“I’m looking for a job at an advertising agency or a public relations firm,” said Sanchez. “I want to stay in Miami. But you know things are tough, so I'm definitely open to any remote positions as well.” 


Rohan LullaRohan Lulla, a junior from New York City who is double majoring in sports administration and entrepreneurship, has a laundry list of things to do this summer. They include working remotely for a new start-up company based in Los Angeles, taking summer classes, and traveling. 

“I’ll be working remotely between New York and Miami this summer,” said Lulla. “I’m looking forward to remote work because it is just the new way, a new culture that will give me the flexibility to travel and spend time doing the things I want to do. I recently turned 21, so I really want to go to Las Vegas.” 


Kyra BerwitzKyra Berwitz is a sophomore from Rhode Island who is studying health science on the pre-med track. Her summer plans include a mix of work and play. 

“I’m going home for my little sister’s graduation before we all head out to celebrate as a family in Aruba,” said Berwitz, who is an honorary citizen of the country. “Then once I get home, I’m going to be shadowing two physicians at local hospitals and I’m taking Physics II at a local university in my hometown.” 


Emma BaskindEmma Baskind, a sophomore from Long Island, New York, who is studying psychology, will be staying in Miami to help others this summer.  

“I’m volunteering at a camp for kids with autism,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to the new experience and getting to stay in Miami.” 


Kylie PrietoKylie Prieto, a sophomore from the northern suburbs of Chicago who is studying psychology, will be heading back home to immerse herself in two jobs. 

“I'm going to be working two jobs. One of my jobs will be  nannying; and in the other job, I will be working as an assistant stylist for a lady in my town who does event planning,” said Prieto. “I’m also studying for the LSAT and taking it toward the end of the summer.” 


Student photos: Jenny Hudak/University of Miami