Toll Gate Senior Sophia Pena returned from Washington D.C. where she was one of several hundred students from across the country with renewed confidence as a SkillsUSA state officer.

Sophia hadn’t thought of a leadership position in the state program, but was asked if she might consider it. “I was curious what that would be.” She decided to go for it and was chosen by her peers from about 10 vying for the slot.

She’s glad she was chosen. She and the six other Rhode Island SkillsUSA board members were given an expense paid trip to the SkillsUSA Washington Leadership Training Institute leadership conference held from Sept. 17 to 21 where they attended a series of workshops on technical, personal and work skills. Sophia said there was ample opportunity to meet students from across the country and learn of programs they have in their states.

“They were friendly,” Sophia said of students from outside Rhode Island. She said she returned believing the Warwick Area Career and Technical Center should be more inclusive of students who speak different languages and with those who have disabilities. She thought books and online programs in Spanish would be helpful. She didn’t have specific recommendations on improving access to students with disabilities.

A student in the cosmetology program at the Career and Technical Center, Sophia plans to attend CCRI and enroll in business programs. She’s uncertain of a career course. She said she especially enjoys working with curly hair, not ruling out owning a salon of her own at some time.

Not all of the trip revolved around SkillsUSA. The students visited the Capitol, national monuments, the Library of Congress and meet with the state Congressional Delegation with the exception of Congressman James Langevin. Sophia said the Rhode Island SkillsUSA board members traded stories with Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman David Cicilline for about 15 minutes. She was impressed by their appreciation of the types of jobs they are training to fill and the roles they will play in the workforce. Naturally, they took pictures. There was a Sunday cookout before returning to Rhode Island.

Sophia attended John Brown Francis School and Veterans Middle School. She has a brother and sister.

Sophia said she found her exchange with students from other parts of the country “very enlightening.” From a personal perspective she said she came away feeling more comfortable and confident as a leader.