Ms. Briana Miranda is a familiar face that students at Pace may recognize when visiting the main office, sitting in the south cafeteria for lunch, or when she is picking up attendance in the morning. However, not everyone knows much about her role outside of school or the full scope of her responsibilities. And truth be told, it’s a lot!
Ms. B. Miranda, as she is more commonly known, was born and raised a Lower East Side local, and it is where she still resides today. She is grateful to be a part of Pace’s distinctive community. Ms. Miranda is hardworking, holds her community close to her heart, and is both creative and wise.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
What is your job at Pace?
I’ve been Pace’s community assistant for three years now. I help around the school with purchasing, school funding, field trips, sports awards and school events.
Do you like your job? What is your favorite part of what you do?
Yes, I do. I enjoy interacting with everyone. It’s nice to be at my desk, but the people around me make it more fun.
Describe your strengths.
I try to bring positivity to work and create a happy environment. Being positive makes the day go by faster.
How do you relax and have fun outside of work?
I hang out with my friends, spend time with my family, and chill with my dog, Zoe, a Shih Tzu. I prefer slower-paced activities when I’m not working.
Describe your idea of a perfect day.
Waking up at a reasonable time, anything after six makes my day. If I can make myself breakfast at home, even better.
Is there anything you’re especially grateful for?
My parents. I’m really grateful for my upbringing and the life I have because of them.
What does friendship mean to you?
It means everything. Once I consider someone a friend, I’m in it for the long haul. I see friends as family. I have two best friends I’ve known for a long time; one since sixth grade and the other since my freshman year of high school.
Tell me about your passions.
I love working with kids, which is why I babysit three times a week. I also went to high school for fashion and art, so I enjoy anything creative, like painting and drawing. I worked in a bakery for a few months which taught me cake decorating and baking. I still bake sometimes when I have free time. It’s not all the time, but I try to balance it.
At which point did you start feeling like an adult?
It’s not a specific moment but rather the responsibilities that come with it. At 21, people expect more from you, and you have to be more careful. At 18, I was still living a teenage life.
What did you do to get here?
It was random. I wasn’t necessarily looking for this role, but I’ve always worked with kids. I started babysitting at 16, I’m 26 now, so it’s been 10 years. When I was ready to find a job, I searched for something related to that, found Pace, and after the interview, I got the job.
Is there any advice that you would give to Pace Students?
Live your life fully, and don’t let anything hold you back, whether it’s friends, family, or relationships. Make sure every decision is 100% yours.
