Before coming to the United States, Miriam Mangaladze had already built a successful career as a teacher in the nation of Georgia. But when she arrived in New York, she made a bold decision: to start over and challenge herself in an entirely new field.
Now a proud member of the Class of 2026, Miriam pursued her degree in Computer Science and Mathematics at CSI while also working as a tutor and learning assistant.
“Adapting to a new language, education system, and culture was not easy,” Namgaladze explained, “but it helped me grow stronger, more independent, and more determined.” She is now looking forward to a career in Quality Assurance (QA) and software testing.
Her path to CSI wasn’t straightforward. After researching different colleges, Miriam was drawn to CSI because of its welcoming environment, strong academic reputation, and affordable tuition. “I feel that choosing CSI was a very good decision because it gave me the opportunity to grow academically and personally,” she said.
Her decision to study computer science came from her desire to challenge herself and learn something new in a growing field. She stayed close to mathematics to further bolster her academic and professional skills.
Her background as a teacher has also influenced her activities outside the classroom as she still has a passion for helping others by explaining concepts in simple, easy-to-understand ways, and she is developing a math-centered YouTube channel to share her knowledge with other students.
Looking back on her time at CSI, Miriam says the community made all the difference. “One of my favorite aspects of CSI is the diverse and welcoming environment. I enjoyed meeting students from different cultures and backgrounds, which helped me feel more comfortable after moving to the United States. I also appreciate the supportive professors who encouraged students to keep growing and challenging themselves academically. Another thing I enjoy about CSI is the campus itself—it is peaceful and creates a good environment for studying and personal growth.”
She also credits her adviser, Kristi Brescia, for having a positive influence. “Kristi is always welcoming, supportive, and helpful. Every time I visited her office, I left feeling more motivated and thankful. She believed in me and encouraged me to trust myself, even during difficult classes and stressful moments. She also helped me find a student job at CSI and guided me toward future career opportunities in my field. I truly appreciate her support and kindness, and I am very grateful to have met her.”
After she graduates, Namgaladze plans to take a short break and then move on to earn a master’s degree. “I want to continue learning, developing my skills, and exploring different areas in technology. After gaining experience, I plan to decide which specific field I would like to continue studying in for my master’s degree.”
Miriam’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to begin again, and that growth often starts with the courage to take the first step.
“What makes my journey special is not just where I started,” she recalled, “but how much I have grown—balancing challenges, learning new skills, and staying motivated to achieve my goals. I am proud of how far I’ve come, and I hope my story can inspire others who are also starting over in a new country.”
By Terry Mares
