I’m Jona Shefkiu, a senior at the New York School of Science in Kosova, and I’m a 2023 TechGirls alumnus. When I first heard about TechGirls, I didn’t exactly have the full picture. My cousin had been in the program the year before and mentioned she went to NASA, so in my head, I just thought that it’s a camp for girls who like STEM. I figured there would be some lectures and a bit of traveling, but I didn't realize how much it would actually change my perspective on who I am and what I’m capable of doing.

At the time of applying, I was a 9th-grade student in Pristina, Kosovo. I had a solid background in math competitions and had just finished eight years of professional piano lessons. I loved tech and went to conventions, but I was still just a teenager trying to figure out where I fit in. When I got accepted into the 2023 cohort at fifteen, I was thrown into a world that was way bigger than I expected.

Navigating the Application Process

If you’re thinking about applying, you should know that the portal typically opens toward the end of the year. The process is pretty rigorous, similar to the format of U.S. college essays. You have to write about your background, your motivation for STEM, and what drives you.

They aren’t just looking for your grades; they want to see your personality. You need to show that you are a team player and that you’re open-minded toward other cultures. Leadership matters too. In my case, being the head of the student council at my school helped me stand out. I’d recommend highlighting any long-term extracurriculars. It shows you can commit to something and see it through.

Another thing people often overlook is the cultural side. You aren't just there to learn code or biology, you are there to represent your home. For many people I met, I was the first person from Kosovo they had ever spoken to. You need to know your own history and culture well enough to share it with the world.

The Student Experience in the U.S

Living as a student in the U.S. was a total whirlwind. I got to volunteer in Cincinnati, stay with a host family, and take college-level classes. The most surprising part was how fast I had to adapt. Everything was new, and at first, I felt a bit small in such a massive place.

The academic part was a real jump, too. I took a class in Molecular Modeling and Informatics. Before that, I had zero background in biochemistry. During the first lesson, I felt completely clueless and honestly wanted to give up.

I had to learn how to ask questions and lean on my peers. I realized that you don't just learn from the mentors, you learn from the girls sitting next to you. Once I started working as part of a team, my confidence shot up. I walked away knowing I could pick up a brand-new, difficult skill in a very short amount of time.

Collaborating Across Borders

Working with girls from so many different countries was one of the best parts of the trip. It’s a unique environment where you have to push through cultural barriers constantly. You learn what’s considered polite or professional in different parts of the world.

Sometimes, what one person sees as being a leader, another might see as being bossy. We had to find a common language, which usually just came down to being very practical and honest with each other about what was working and what wasn't. Those connections are lifelong, and if I could go back, I’d tell myself to work even harder to hold onto every single one of them.

My Advice for Future Applicants

If you’re preparing for your interview or getting ready to head to the U.S., my biggest piece of advice is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. At first, that feeling is scary, but eventually, you find joy in it because that is where the true growth happens.

Don't let imposter syndrome win. You belong in these spaces. Before TechGirls, I thought I was strictly a math and physics person. Now that I’m applying for universities, I’m looking at bachelor's programs that intertwine everything, including biochemistry.

Stay true to your identity and respect everyone else's. If you keep an open mind, you’ll realize you can survive almost anything if you have the will to try.