Anyone in the field of software development knows how difficult it can be to hire great people with the technical skills and an honest commitment to the team. At Intertech, we’ve long believed in taking our time and selecting the right people who like to work together, support each other, and bring their expertise to others. In addition to this commitment, Intertech believes it is essential to give back to the communities where we live, work, and serve our customers, especially when we find out about exceptional people interested in computer science. The Intertech Foundation STEM Scholarship is just one way we do this. We offer a $2,500 scholarship each year, and this year is no exception. We are delighted to introduce a fantastic young talent filled with the fire and passion for life that we see leading the way to great things in the future.
Join us in getting to know scholarship recipient for 2022, Sophia Holubowsky.
Congratulations to Sophia Holubowsky
What would you do with a second chance at life? Seventeen years ago, a pregnant immigrant discovered that her unborn daughter had Intestinal Atresia with Meconium Pseudocyst: an intestinal blockage with a less than 10% survival rate. Against all odds, she miraculously survived but faced Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome in a second near-death experience. The tremendous toll it took on her body is still visible in tarnished scarring. Her skin swelled and her fingertips tingled at every touch. Her feeding tube nourished her with the food she was incapable of eating. Her medication forced her to gain weight. While other children bullied her for being heavy, she was fighting for her life, and nobody knew. “I know this because that girl was me. I craved the average childhood. Instead, the diseases forced me to endure intense physical suffering throughout my first years of life. Nevertheless, these illnesses have not defined me but contributed to the strengths of my character.”
Sophia learned English as a little girl to assimilate into American society. Now, she desires a chance to pursue a degree in computer science to adapt to the future of society. Her penchant for technology, combined with her diligent efforts, has been the catalyst for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to decipher code as one of the 38% of female Cornell computer science undergrads. Sophia is resolute in acquiring the skills necessary to keep up with ever-changing technologies and persevere in the protection of people. After university, her desire is to use her Ivy League computer science education to enforce digital safety. Sophia aims to strive further in the intricately captivating world of computer science by analyzing real world security threats. “The vitality of secure information is the backbone of a secure humanity. What an honor it will be to pursue a career protecting just that.”
“Have you ever been told to follow your dreams? I never was. Coming from a family of immigrants, dreams were neglected. We were forced to be realistic. Being admitted to Cornell not only fascinates my eagerness to learn but also fulfills my first dream to come true. Most people with Intestinal Atresia with Meconium Pseudocyst do not have the privilege of living as long as I. To shy away from anything difficult would be complacent. I feel compelled to embark on this second chance of life to contribute to the path of technology, the path of the future, and a path of success.”
Q: Where did you attend high school?
Upper Merion Area High School, King of Prussia, PA
Q: When did you first decide you wanted to be involved in Computer Science?
I’ve always been interested in computer science, but it wasn’t until I took my first CS course, AP Computer Science Principles, that I knew I must pursue this as my career. I was especially fortunate to receive an outstanding teacher, Mrs. Jowett, who inspired me throughout the year. Whether it was doubts over coding competitions or college essays, Mrs. Jowett never second guessed my potential. Her continuous faith influenced me to becoming a woman in STEM following my true passion.
Q: Tell us about some of the projects you worked on while in the coding club?
In coding club, we participated in multiple organizations and competitions: CyberStart America Cybersecurity, Lockheed Martin CodeQuest and CyberQuest, First Annual St. Joseph’s University Analytics & Data Visualization, and Lower Merion Girls Hack.
Q: Which educational or extracurricular experiences during your k-12 years helped you decide on the field of Computer Science?
My high school did not offer the technology specific classes that I was seeking, so I initiated myself in online ones instead. After my research, I found and joined a virtual high school Cybersecurity course and CyberStart America’s practice challenge course that granted me the ability to thrive in my desired computer science division.
Q: What school have you selected to attend and why did you choose it for your undergraduate studies?
Cornell University. Cornell ranks as the top #1 university for Computer Science out of all the Ivy Leagues. I have dreamt of Cornell since I was ten years old based off Ezra Cornell’s vision of an atmosphere that could address problems of the present with the innovations of the future. This founding vision empowers students to transcend where they come from to where they dream of being, and I have achieved that dream.
Q: Describe your dream job after college.
Since technology is an everchanging field, I do not have a dream job. Computer science is constantly venturing into new threats and advances in the world. My specific interest in cybersecurity is a field that was only recently introduced. Thus, I plan to continue grasping present day technological challenges with an open mind.
Q: Would you be willing to share your thoughts about the value of the Intertech STEM scholarship to your academic journey?
To be awarded this STEM scholarship is a dream come true, and I am eternally grateful. This scholarship will enable me to strive further toward the path of technology, the path of the future, and the path of success. I cannot wait to see what college will unveil.
Q: Please tell us about your participation in the Congressional Art Competition?
My grandfather was an artist and teacher in Ukraine when he left his home and everything he knew to be close to his family. He adored artistry in ways that mesmerized me. So, when his hands began to wither and he lost his sense of touch, I participated in regional art competitions to honor him. I painted a mural for him, just like we used to paint together.
NOTE: Listed below are some of Sophia’s honors, awards, and extracurricular activities.
HONORS AND AWARDS
- National Honor Society — (2018-Present)
- Distinguished Honor Roll — (2018-Present)
- Continental Mathematics League — (2018-Present)
EXTRACURRICULARS
- Model United Nations (Model UN) — (2019-Present) Delegate
- Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) — (2019-Present) High School Student Division
- Ronald McDonald House — (2016-Present) Volunteer
- Junior Ukrainian Orthodox League (JUOL) — (2016-Present) Volunteer
- St. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church — (2016-Present) Volunteer
- Bethesda Project Coalition Against Hunger — (2014-Present) Volunteer
- Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard — (2018-Present) Volunteer
- Ukrainian Federation of America — (2019-Present) Volunteer Model
- Minding Your Minds — (2019-Present) Vice President
- Advanced Choir — (2016-Present) Vice President
- Coding Club — (2020-Present) Club Member
- Best Buddies —(2019-Present) Peer Buddy
- Octagon — (2019-Present) Club Member
- Cultural Heritage Club — (2020-Present) Club Member
- Multicultural Music Club — (2020-Present) Club Member
- Congressional Art Competition — PA-4 District
LANGUAGES
- English & Ukrainian
CODING LANGUAGES
- JavaScript, Python, & HTML
We are extremely grateful to Sophia for telling us her story and applying for our STEM scholarship. We look forward to hearing about many great things from her in the future!
Tom and Linda Salonek
Intertech Foundation, Intertech Inc.
2022 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipients
Sophia Holubowsky – 2022 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipient
Audrey Schwartz – 2022 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipient
2021 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipients
Yahaira Irizarry – 2021 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipient
Alexander Chambers – 2021 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipient
2020 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipients
Emily Dahl – 2020 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipient
Sulaiman Bada – 2020 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipient
Annabelle Klosterman – 2020 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipient
Reece Harding – 2020 Intertech STEM Scholarship Recipient
About Intertech
Intertech is a Software Development Consulting Firm that provides single and multiple turnkey software development teams, available on your schedule and configured to achieve success as defined by your requirements independently or in co-development with your team. Intertech teams combine proven full-stack, DevOps, Agile-experienced lead consultants with Delivery Management, User Experience, Software Development, and QA experts in Business Process Automation (BPA), Microservices, Client- and Server-Side Web Frameworks of multiple technologies, Custom Portal and Dashboard development, Cloud Integration and Migration (Azure and AWS), and so much more. Each Intertech employee leads with the soft skills necessary to explain complex concepts to stakeholders and team members alike and makes your business more efficient, your data more valuable, and your team better. In addition, Intertech is a trusted partner of more than 4000 satisfied customers and has a 99.70% “would recommend” rating.
