by Tom Berich, Operations Manager
One of the lesser known (but exciting) challenges of being the Operations Manager is getting the opportunity to select an intern for the summer Luminari season.
With as many moving parts as Luminari has, it’s a responsibility that tends to slip further down the ladder of responsibility and yet when the “right” intern is selected it makes the job that much easier – and therefore more rewarding.
Luminari has historically had a relationship with the University of Pittsburgh’s Media Studies program. Kevin Smith, Director of Undergraduate Studies in Broadcast at Pitt has “fed” Luminari various intern candidates over the years and while that sounds like it’s kind of a no brainer and should be easy with selecting a candidate, there is one problem…they are ALL GREAT!
After sifting through a few candidates and determining the various summer plans/schedules with the interested students, Luminari has landed on a great one for this season.
Meet Miranda Larson!
Miranda is a sophomore majoring in Film Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, but JUST transferred from Chatham University. Originally from Cranberry Township and a 2024 graduate of Seneca Valley High School, she is already looking to the future and her “end goal” is to own her own media production company.
When asked what drew her to the Luminari Operations internship, her answer was multilayered, yet relatively simple: “Luminari’s reputation was what initially interested me and having been a Sunday school teacher for a portion of my life I really enjoy working with kids. Luminari doesn’t just seem informative and interesting but it also seems “joyful” and fun.”
I asked Miranda what she looked forward to most from the internship, her answer jumped out at me…
“I really thrive in situations where I get to be organized and I get to communicate in an efficient way with others. Writing emails is actually exciting to me! The behind the scenes work is really enjoyable and I like seeing hard work and a plan come into fruition.”
“I really want this internship to help me with time management and organization which is something I feel you can never get enough experience in, and I’ve never had a role with this much organization and I’m excited for that experience.”
Then…I hit her with a couple of questions she wasn’t expecting:
-Tom: What do you do for fun?
-Miranda: I’m outdoorsy, but not much of a hiker. I like biking and paddleboarding. And I LOVE dogs.
-Tom: You are a film major, what are your favorite three films?
-Miranda: Divergent, 13 Going on 30 (I wasn’t expecting this since it’s a film that is older than Miranda is) and 50 First Dates
-Tom: really?
-Miranda: I really love rom-coms!
Miranda is a welcome addition to the 2026 Luminari team and we can’t wait to have her work with our students and REALLY look forward to seeing her grow and thrive.
For additional information on Luminari internships and general info on the 2026 Luminari camps please reach out to Tom Berich – Operations Manager at tom@luminari.org
