It isn’t hard to agree that technology can be a time-killer, a babysitter or a source of isolation. However, what if it wasn’t?
Born and raised on the Big Island, 14-year-old Thomas Rooney felt captivated by technology since he was a keiki, even pulling apart computers and small motors. At age nine, he didn’t just absorb information but used it to build new things.
When his parents, Kevin and Tania Rooney, noticed his interest, they weren’t concerned about it becoming an addiction; they understood it would be a disadvantage in today’s world not to expose him to technology. However, his passion required guidance.
“[Technology] can be a great connector when used appropriately—whether it’s facilitating kids to communicate with each other in different parts of the world or helping them share their interests with like-minded kids in their community. We make sure our kids get plenty of time outside and do activities away from screens. It’s all about balance and moderation and parental involvement,” says Tania Rooney.
For his 10th birthday, Thomas got a 3D printer, which opened up an array of possibilities that eventually allowed him to start an Etsy store with Hawaiian designs. “A huge part of what I know now came from my mentor, Mr. Makoto, the IT director at Holualoa Elementary School,” Thomas says.
Mr. Makoto, seeing his potential, connected Thomas with Brett Carey, DPT, who was 3D-printing face shields during COVID in Kona and also working with the local high school AP Health class on a stethoscope project.
When the Ukraine war erupted, the need for medical aid and equipment rose. Brett connected investors with healthcare providers overseas to get them what they needed. Using 3D printing and basic hardware store parts, Brett’s team—including Thomas—supplied war-torn communities with crucial equipment at a fraction of the normal cost, making healthcare accessible to those most vulnerable.
“It's been great to be part of something genuinely meaningful and to see firsthand the areas where tech can make a difference,” Thomas says. This approach also led him to explore the limits of AI. “Once I realized it could do way more than just answer questions, I went deeper and taught myself how to build apps and automations.”
However, it’s understandable that many parents feel skeptical of an ever-growing, ever-changing world at their kids’ fingertips. The solution is to avoid the extremes of banning it or allowing full access and, instead, to seek balance.
That sense of fear and avoidance most times comes from a lack of knowledge. Thus, it’s key for parents to research what their kids are getting into and guide them accordingly. If parents provide resources to encourage that growth and exploration, children can thrive.
“We never limited Thomas in exploring his interests. We provided the tools—literally and metaphorically—to help him learn and develop his passions on his own. He has far exceeded our levels of knowledge in these areas, and we’re proud of the ways he’s using his skills,” says Kevin Rooney.
Thomas’ message for other Big Island teens is loud and clear: “Find something that genuinely interests you, research how to make it work, and just go for it.”
When not 3D modeling, Thomas is playing volleyball, riding his bike, trading stocks and foreign currency, or hanging out at the beach with family and friends, proving that this is not the tech-addicted but the innovative generation.
Check his store at Etsy.com/shop/T3DAccessories.
"It's been great to be part of something genuinely meaningful." —Thomas Rooney.