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Whether she’s serving drinks behind the bar at Salty Dog Saloon or preparing for a future classroom, Mariam Jane Tantilova Aguilar believes every interaction matters. One phrase she often reminds herself of is, “It is their first time living too.” That mindset has shaped the way she approaches friendships, work, and her future career as a teacher.

Born on April 8, 2004, Mariam has lived a life influenced by different cultures. Originally from Bulgaria, she also spent part of her childhood in Costa Rica before eventually settling in Miami, Florida. Growing up in different countries exposed her to new people and experiences while allowing her to become fluent in Bulgarian, Spanish, and English. Today, she says one of her favorite things about going home to Miami is the incredible food and the city’s diverse culture.

Now a sociology major at the University of Florida, Mariam plans to become a teacher after graduation and hopes to move to the Tampa or St. Petersburg area to begin her career. Although sociology may not seem like the traditional path into education, she believes understanding people and their experiences will help her become a better educator.

Until then, much of her time is spent working in Gainesville’s service industry. She currently bartends at Salty Dog Saloon, one of the city’s most well-known college bars, and previously worked at Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza. While many people view restaurant jobs as temporary, Mariam genuinely enjoys the fast-paced environment. She loves meeting new people every shift, building relationships with regular customers, and learning how to communicate with individuals from all walks of life.

Those experiences have strengthened skills she hopes to carry into teaching. Bartending requires patience, problem-solving, multitasking, and staying calm under pressure, qualities that are equally valuable in a classroom. Whether she’s handling a busy Friday night or helping someone feel welcome, Mariam believes every interaction is an opportunity to make someone’s day a little better.

Outside of work and school, Mariam enjoys traveling whenever she has the chance. She recently visited Guatemala with her boyfriend and has also traveled to New York City and Austin, Texas with friends. Experiencing different places and cultures is something she values deeply, and she hopes to continue exploring the world throughout her life.

Friends know Mariam as someone who is outgoing, compassionate, and always willing to listen. Her perspective, that everyone is experiencing life for the first time, guides the way she treats others with patience and understanding. Whether she’s serving customers, traveling somewhere new, or preparing to become a teacher, Mariam approaches every opportunity with curiosity, kindness, and an appreciation for the people she meets along the way.