Chasing dreams one scoop at a time

Photo courtesy of Jorge Guzman

Senior Jorge Guzman in his parent’s ice cream shop.

In a vibrant, bustling ice cream shop, a high school student hurries in before heading to the back, murmuring a brief greeting to his parents. 

For the past nine months, senior Jorge Guzman has worked at his parents’ store, La Michoacána Mi Tierra, in Claremont whenever he can find time, helping with tasks that range from accounting to cleaning. He especially enjoys chatting with his customers. 

“I like helping my parents and meeting the new people that go there,” Guzman said. “I talk to them sometimes. I mainly ask them about what they do for work. One time some guy from a summer camp came to the store and he told me that he [was] a counselor for their singing camp.” 

Recently, business has been booming thanks to the hot summer. Working at the shop keeps Guzman busy, but he feels that it has helped prepare him and given him an idea of what to expect.

“I’ve learned how to be smarter with money and to spend wisely. I’ve learned how to manage the money at the store. I’ve also learned how to talk to people and help them,” Guzman said.

Guzman spends most weekends and some weekdays in the shop, filling in when his parents are busy. 

“My parents needed help, so I decided to go there and help them. It’s a family shop,” Guzman said. “In the beginning, I would go there every day.”

On a typical day, he goes to school and attends soccer practice. Afterward, he either returns home to finish his homework or drops by the store. 

“I was coaching [when the store first opened], so I couldn’t help out as much, but I would still help,” Guzman said. “I’ve been coaching soccer for 9-8 year olds. I’d go over there after school and I’d set up my drills and everything. Then, I’d teach them soccer.”

Guzman plans to use this experience in his future endeavors, eventually starting his own business. 

“I plan on going to college and helping the shop to become popular and open more. I’d like to start my own business, like fixing things or realtor business,” Guzman said. “It was hard when things were just beginning, but it’s easier now.”