My experience here as my first job was definitely a one of a kind experience. From printing papers, and making copies, to meeting new people and helping out around the office, I could definitely say this was a GREAT experience for my first job. Two months ago I didn`t even know how to pick up the phone, let alone intern for Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce. All I can say is “thank you for this opportunity to grow and learn.” It’s only been a month and a half and I feel like it’s been just a week. Time flies by when you enjoy something, but I feel like I’ve known you all for years. I’m sad to say my internship will be coming to an end, but I won`t forget the opportunities nor the memories and experiences I`ve made during my internship.
The Kissimmee Chamber are all like family - ones that comes together no matter what. I have always admired that. I also always wanted to be a part of an office family and have office birthday parties and be a part of meetings to discuss business. It’s the only time I ever felt like I was a part of something and it meant the world to me that they welcomed me in with open arms. I can also say I learned a lot for my first job: how to answer phones, communicate, provide service, do media logs, and help organize events. I learned about leadership, how to work hard, and much more. I’ve meet a lot of people who were kind and ambitious and very inspiring and learned what they loved to do. It just gave me a few options on what to think about for my future. For instance recently my co-workers and I had the opportunity to tour around a kitchen facility by a professional chef who’s been in the industry for years. He told us many stories and gave me inspiration on what to do next in my life and where to start. So thank you Kissimmee Chamber Of Commerce for letting me stay, grow, and learn from you all.
This blog post was written by Keyla Cabrera, an intern at the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber for the summer of 2019 through CareerSource’s Summer Youth Program. Keyla is a junior at Osceola High School, where she is in the culinary program. She is also a very active volunteer at her church. She would like to attend the US Air Force Academy.
The Poinciana Area Council hosted a great Business 2 Business networking event on July 24th at Mindful Storage Poinciana! Not only did attendees have the chance to mix, mingle, and enjoy food and drink, they contributed school supplies for our school supply drive. Check out our haul below:
Attendees got an update on PAC’s programs and initiatives, such as their scholarship program, which awarded $2000 in scholarship funds to four Poinciana-area students earlier this year, and learned about their upcoming events. Those who paid attention to their PAC info were able to answer a trivia question and win a Toho Water Authority water bottle or a $25 gift card courtesy of CenterState Bank.
Thank you to Mindful Storage for being generous hosts, and the Poinciana Area Council Board of Directors for putting the event together.
If you would like to join PAC for a future event, read on:
What: PAC Lunch – Cyber Security
Where: Merrill Gardens at Solivita Marketplace
4602 Marigoldn Ave.
Kissimmee, FL 34758
When: August 14, 2019
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Want to join us: Register Here
What: PoincianaFest 2019
Where: Valencia College Poinciana Campus
3255 Pleasant Hill Road
Kissimmee, FL 34746
When: November 2, 2019
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Want to host a business booth?: Contact Christina at cpilkington@theosceolachamber.com or 407-847-4145
Taking a look at the adult world and the work force is something that I never thought I’d experience this summer. I am obviously way too young to understand the daily struggles of the average hard-working adult, however, one thing is for certain: being young is easier than I thought.
The Summer Youth Program at Career Source has given me the opportunity to find a good job to branch my horizons and network with new and exciting individuals. Each person I have had the privilege to meet through the Chamber has given me something to take away from. The different backgrounds and stories as to how they achieved the position they are in has inspired me to continue to follow my passions. Not only do they love the job they are in, they aspire to do greater - to go above and beyond.
All of my friends have asked me the same questions, “How did you land a job like that?” or “Where did you apply?” or the most famous one, “What do you do there?” My answers to those questions are simple. I realized that I needed work experience so I took the first opportunity that I could grab. Career Source took us through a 3-day training that helped us understand the importance of work ethics, resumes, and etc. They held a job fair, and that was where I met my plans for the rest of the summer. Every day at the Chamber is something different. From running to meetings to making copies, I enjoyed every bit of it.
Right from the start, they welcomed me with open arms and warm smiles. The staff at the Chamber always made my day. They all gave me something I thought I didn’t need, which was reassurance. They have given me a sense of hope that things will get better if I work hard. The job would be nothing without the Chamber staff.
Christina Pilkington took me to places in Kissimmee that I didn’t even know existed and made me aware of the different opportunities this city can offer me. The meetings I went to were always exciting and interesting. I was intrigued by the amount of people there and how each of them wanted to contribute to our community. It was an honor to meet these outstanding board members.
After these seven weeks of work, I have learned the ins and outs of what transpires here at the Chamber and many events throughout the city. It was a thrill to have been a part of this program and I am glad to have met everyone in the process. I know that I will always have a place to turn to when I need help. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity and will be more than willing to share my story with others.
This blog post was written by Amanda Hidalgo, an intern at the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber for the summer of 2019 through CareerSource’s Summer Youth Program. Amanda is a senior in the International Baccalaureate Program at Gateway High School. She is very active with ROTC and would like to attend the US Naval Academy.
