When I started high school, I didn’t think I’d be soldering wires, programming robots, or teaching younger kids how to code. But that’s exactly what I did through an internship with the Rhode Island Computer Museum during my junior year.
I was one of just four students selected that year. Every day brought something new. We learned about engineering, robotics, and even artificial intelligence. We got to build things with our hands and our minds, and then pass on that knowledge by teaching coding classes to younger kids.
That experience changed how I see education. It showed me that learning isn’t just about sitting in a classroom, it’s about solving problems, working together, and giving back. Engineering isn’t just about machines or computers, it’s about using creativity to make something that helps others. I wish more students could have opportunities like this, especially those of us from Pawtucket and Central Falls.
That’s why I support the opening of the New England Technical Academy, a proposed career and technical education charter public high school that, if approved, would open in fall 2026. Schools like this one would give more public school students access to hands-on experiences in engineering, health sciences, and information technology – fields that are shaping the future. Each year, only a few students get to do internships like mine. Imagine the possibilities if every student had that kind of opportunity built into their public education.
When I applied to Davies Career & Technical High School, it was my first choice. I was waitlisted, and I ended up choosing The Met High School instead. I’ll be graduating in 2026, and it’s been such a great experience. The Met has taught me independence, creativity, and how to learn through real-world experiences. I’m planning to continue my education at a local college after graduation, building on what I’ve learned.
But not every student needs the same things or gets access to the kind of opportunities they’re looking for. That’s why public schools like the New England Technical Academy are so important: They expand the number of pathways available, so more students can find the kind of hands-on learning that’s right for them.
Every student deserves a chance to learn by doing, to build something real, and to give back to their communities. Rhode Island needs more public schools that make that possible. If we want the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and community builders, we need to start by giving students the tools, and the opportunities to engineer their own futures.
Kayden Xavier is a senior at The Met High School and lives in Pawtucket.