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Tavita Menashe

1,635

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Finalist

Bio

I am currently a Computer Science student at San Jose City College, with plans to transfer to Columbia University to earn my degree. My ultimate goal is to make a significant global impact in technologies and startups in USA and Central Asia. After graduating high school in Kyrgyzstan, I worked as an intern programmer in my home country, but family challenges delayed my college education for five years. Despite these obstacles, my dream of studying abroad came true in 2024, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity! During high school I was a singer, activist, and maintained a 3.6 GPA despite a big family issues. At 16, I participated in TechGirls, where my team and I built a climate-tech mobile app to address global problems. This sparked my deep interest in startups and inspired me to pursue impactful innovation. My dedication to gender equality in tech was further reinforced when I was selected from over 600 applicants to participate in the "Programmer Aiymdar" women’s empowerment IT bootcamp. As an alumna, I began internships, volunteered, and mentored in the "50K Programmers" project, an initiative by the Kyrgyz Software Association that provides online tech training for young women, mothers and underprivileged families. Beyond academics, I am passionate about sports, particularly running. I have competed and won national competitions, including first place in a 10K race and second place in a half marathon. Multilingualism is another strength I value: I am fluent in Kyrgyz, English, and Russian, and currently learning Spanish and Turkish.

Education

San Jose State University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering

San Jose City College

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Computer Science

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Computer Science
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Software

    • Dream career goals:

      Software engineer and startups

    • Intern Frontend engineer

      GroupBWT
      2021 – 20221 year
    • Intern Frontend developer

      Askartec
      2020 – 20211 year

    Sports

    Swimming

    Club
    2021 – 20221 year

    Awards

    • no

    Swimming

    Club
    2021 – 20221 year

    Jogging

    Club
    2023 – Present2 years

    Awards

    • 1x winner (1st place) on 10km run in national competition KFC Night Run
    • I secured 2nd place in a prestigious national half marathon competition.

    Equestrian

    Club
    2021 – 20232 years

    Awards

    • 3x winner in national horse game competitions

    Arts

    • Adra Charity Organization

      Music
      "Esimde", Sary-Oi, Hallelujah
      2020 – Present
    • My personal blog

      Videography
      Instagram, Youtube
      2022 – Present
    • Kyrgyz National Dance Studio

      Dance
      "Kara Jorgo", Kyrgyz bii, Jalyn Bii
      2017 – 2019
    • Anti Club Theatre Club (SJSU)

      Acting
      "Polaroid Stories" by Naomi Iizuka
      2024 – 2024

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      CleanLeap — Frontend developer
      2023 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      Adra — Translator, Providing assistance to low-income families by facilitating communication and collaboration between families and volunteers from around the world.
      2020 – 2020

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Maggie's Way- International Woman’s Scholarship
    I was born and raised in Kyrgyzstan, a country in Central Asia where 94% of the land is covered by breathtaking mountains. These mountains have shaped not only the geography of my homeland but also my character. Much like Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien, I have had to climb my own mountains - both literal and figurative - to pursue my dreams and overcome challenges. Growing up in a low-income family, my dream of studying in the United States seemed distant and unattainable after I graduated from high school. Financial constraints meant that I had to put my education on hold for five years. However, I firmly believe that dreams have no expiration date. Through perseverance, hard work, and a deep belief in myself, I am now living my dream of studying in the U.S. as a first-generation international student. Moving here alone, without a support system, was daunting, but it has also been the most transformative journey of my life. This experience resonates deeply with Maggie’s story of bravery and determination. Before coming to the U.S., I built my career in software development in Kyrgyzstan. My passion for engineering aligns with Maggie’s professional dedication. I am currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science and aspire to transfer to Columbia University. For a young woman from Central Asia, studying abroad and charting this path is a monumental achievement. Like Maggie, I am intellectually curious and driven to master whatever I set my mind to, whether it’s coding a complex algorithm, navigating a new culture, or striving for academic excellence. Maggie’s love for physical challenges also inspires me, as sports are an integral part of my life. I am a passionate runner, and my connection to the mountains goes beyond admiration - they are my sanctuary and my source of strength. I hike, climb, and find peace in the vast, rugged terrain of my homeland, which has taught me resilience and endurance. Every run I take reminds me of the beauty of pushing through barriers, just as Maggie did in her adventures as a skier, climber, and diver. On a personal level, I admire Maggie’s boldness and her zest for life. Her commitment to growth - both physical and intellectual - is a trait I strive to embody daily. Like her, I am always eager to learn, debate, and explore. My journey is fueled by the same thirst for knowledge and passion for new experiences. Whether it’s tackling a challenging class, exploring the U.S., or diving into a new sport, I am driven by a curiosity that mirrors Maggie’s. Moving to the United States has been a test of my courage and adaptability. I had to leave behind my family, friends, and the familiarity of my culture to pursue my education. The transition was not easy, but it has taught me to embrace uncertainty and find strength in challenges. Maggie’s story gives me hope and reinforces my belief that bravery, determination, and an unrelenting spirit can lead to extraordinary achievements. Maggie’s life is a powerful testament to the strength of women who dare to dream and push boundaries, regardless of the obstacles they face. I am honored to share similarities with her in our passion for engineering, love for physical and intellectual challenges, and determination to forge new paths. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education but also inspire me to honor Maggie’s legacy by striving for excellence in all that I do.