Page 12 - TTMNSummer2024

STEM/Construction
Page 12 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

From Popsicle Stick Miniatures to Carpentry: The Story of a Brooklyn

Center High School Senior

and artistic, she sought solace in crafting min- trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumb-
iature houses out of popsicle sticks, inspired ing, HVAC, drywalling, and painting. Meya
by tutorials she discovered on YouTube. quickly made a lasting impression on every-
It wasn’t long before Meya’s curiosity led one she met. Her coach, Sam Ebute, describes
her to explore the construction world. her as “a driven and organized student who
In 11th grade, she enrolled in an introduc- develops inspirational relationships with her
tory trades class at school, where she learned peers.”
through hands-on projects. Her interest was For Meya, the appeal of the construction
sparked. As she put it, “Before the class, I industry lies in its ability to blend creativity
didn’t know how to use a measuring tape. with practicality. Drawing inspiration from her
Learning the basics was very interesting.” love of drawing and the aesthetics of buildings,
“There are so many options in the she f nds fulf llment in seeing projects come to
trades. It’s so satisfying to see the progression life from conception to completion. “There are
of a project” so many options in the trades. It’s so satisfying tion professionals. Meya says “Five years
to see the progression of a project,” she says. from now, I would like to be a journeyworker
Next, Meya enrolled in the Finishing After graduating from Brooklyn Center
Trades Academy, where high school students High School, Meya will embark on the next teaching other people how to do the work.”
spend 2.5 hours during the school day gaining chapter in her journey and will spend the Meya Xiong is a true testament to the
hands-on experience at the Finishing Trades summer as a full-time carpentry apprentice for transformative power of following your
Institute and earning high school credit. There, Gardner Builders. passion and embracing new opportunities. The
Meya had the opportunity to meet fellow stu- future of construction is bright with talents
dents and learn from their diverse perspectives. “Five years from now, i would like to be like hers leading the way.
Meet Meya Xiong, a talented 12th grader “Making connections with other students was a journeyworker teaching other people how Courtesy of the Construction Careers
at Brooklyn Center High School, whose really fun. Everyone is at different levels,” to do the work.” Foundation
journey into the world of construction is said Meya. “I enjoy getting to see how other As she explores working in construction,
nothing short of inspiring. people think.” Meya is committed to sharing her knowledge
Like many of her peers navigating the Eager to expand her skills, Meya joined and inspiring future apprentices. Just as she
challenges of online learning during the pan- Lake Street Works in July 2023. This after- was taught to be a role model for her younger www.bccs286.org
demic, Meya found herself yearning for a school program offers juniors and seniors a siblings, Meya hopes to pass on her skills and
more hands-on experience. Always creative
platform to develop real-world skills in various experiences to the next generation of construc-
Moorhead House Remodel Demonstrates
Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest

Apprenticeship. College. Former MHS Teacher’s Legacy
A lifetime of success. Continued from Page 1
building. the careers they want to pursue as adults.”
“Mr. Olson had a special way with us. And while Chris’ work at Probstf eld
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN YOUR TRADE. He was a fun teacher and had everyone’s makes him the Olson having the most impact
JOIN A UNION FAMILY WHO HAS YOUR BACK. attention starting on the f rst day of class,” on today’s generation of students, Stan isn’t
explained Spriggs. “He understood that done yet.
GET ACCESS TO ON-SITE CAREER
AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS. everyone in his classes had different back- “I have a nine-year-old son that has
grounds and experience with woodworking. watched me over the years and has started
BUILD A DEBT-FREE CAREER. He wanted everyone to try their hardest, to take an interest in woodworking,” said
improve over the year and, most impor- Spriggs. “He’s built a few tables of his own
tantly, feel joy in what they created.” and loves working with his hands. I believe
FTIUM IS A NEW MODEL FOR Chris reports that he has been making Mr. Olson has played a part in my son’s love
HIGHER EDUCATION OFFERING connections with numerous former MHS for woodworking as well!”
FREE TRAINING IN TRADES: students who took classes from his dad in
hopes of hiring as many as possible to be a
Commercial Painter part of the remodel. He sees parallels to his www.isd152.org
Coating Application Specialist parents’ work in the district’s present-day
mission — particularly at the MHS Career
Drywall Finisher Academy.
“It’s super-cool to see kids f nding a
Glazier career in something that they love to do with
Glassworker their hands because they love to create,”
added Olson, who himself is in his 26th as
Sign Technician a teacher in the district. “Today, the district
has that with career and technical education
at the Career Academy. It’s the future of
what mom and dad were doing in their time
Learn more at FTIUM.edu at Moorhead High: hands-on learning for
everyone that helps some students discover