Assabet junior lands dream job as summer intern for state senator

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By Cindy Zomar, Contributing Writer

Michael Lisasa will be working for State Sen. Jamie Eldridge this summer as an intern
Michael Lisasa will be working for State Sen. Jamie Eldridge this summer as an intern
Photo/Submitted

Marlborough – When Michael Lisasa, a junior from Maynard, arrived at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in the fall of 2016, he already knew that he wanted to be a part of the Design and Visual Communications program, but ended up assigned to another area after the competitive selection process was complete.

“It must have been a point or two on one of my grades that was just low enough to push me out of the running for my first choice,” he recalled.

Disappointed but determined, Lisasa chose to wait it out, visiting his guidance counselor frequently to make sure she knew how much he still wanted Design and Visual. His patience paid off after four months.

“I was so excited because I knew that was where I wanted to be, but I honestly never thought it could lead to a summer internship in Boston,” he exclaimed.

Much to his delight, Assabet recently added a radio component to the other facets of the Design and Visual program and Lisasa has become a spokesperson on that show.

“I have been able to interview bigger and bigger guests, including Lt. Governor Karen Polito and Governor Charlie Baker. I was able to talk with them about their passion for vocational/technical education, how it leads to a better workforce, and how they would like to see every student in Massachusetts have the opportunity to attend a vocational/technical high school.”

He then spoke with State Sen. Jamie Eldridge about the importance of having a skilled workforce. “When he came in for the interview, he brought one of his staff along, and it was one of Assabet’s former students, Immaculate Nyaigoti. Immaculate told me that Assabet gave her the skills she needed for the job and how much she enjoyed working with Senator Eldridge.”

Eldridge invited him to come to the Statehouse for an interview. I can’t tell you how excited I was,” exclaimed Lisasa.

Lisasa will be working with Nyaigoti and the other members of Eldridge’s staff this summer as an intern.

“I will be working on public service ads, on things like healthcare, global warming, and opportunities available to Massachusetts citizens. Videography and designing are things I learned here in my shop so this job will revolve around my strengths and be a benefit to everyone,” he said. “This whole thing is just still so unreal to me. Teachers stop me in the hall to congratulate me, and my parents tell me everyday how proud they are of me. I didn’t ever think I would make people this proud. I am so excited to see what the future holds for me! I am just so happy right now!”

Admitting that this has been an exceptionally good year for him, Lisasa continues, “I was Varsity Cross Country, and I got a good role in the spring play, and now this opportunity to work for State Sen. Eldridge in the Statehouse. I am so lucky to have come to Assabet!”

Although still a junior, Lisasa has been thinking about his future and is considering Emerson College as one of his choices.

“I’d like to do political advertising, and, who knows, maybe work on a presidential campaign some day,” he said. “People tell me that working for the senator will really help build my resumé.”

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