Coding is a language that MTMS alum Jesse Grywacheski is well versed in. Grywacheski is a graduate of the University of Alberta with a degree in Computing Science. She describes coding as putting together a puzzle. “It’s a completely different language and it’s problem-solving at its core. I think of it as puzzles. It takes a lot of time to work on but once you put the pieces together, you have a working program,” Grywacheski explained. She looks forward to applying her talents in coding to create websites and mobile applications.
A Career-Defining Trip
Grywacheski developed an interest in coding when she had an opportunity to take part in a week-long computer science workshop at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. The workshop was to promote women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). “The MTMS Graduate Support Team and my high school helped me with the paperwork so I could attend the STEM workshop. That trip sparked my love of computer science and tech,” said Grywacheski.
Sister Support
After graduating high school she chose to attend the University of Waterloo, with her older sister Jasmine, who is also an alum of MTMS. “The experience me and Jasmine had together at MTMS was very impactful in our lives. If we didn’t attend MTMS, things would have been a lot different. It was great to have her by my side during my time at MTMS and during my first year of university,” Jesse said. The sisters shared many great experiences throughout their time together at MTMS, high school, and the University of Waterloo. Their competitive nature/sibling rivalry helped push one another to become the best version of themselves. Jasmine was also appreciative to have Jesse by her side throughout her educational journey. “Whether it was over math testing scores or who was the favorite sister among the staff at MTMS, we were always very competitive with each other. It encouraged us to be intellectually competent, open to growth, and to become the best version of ourselves. As her sister, I am very proud of her. I envision her having a very fulfilling future and career,” said Jasmine.
Post-Secondary Journey
After a year at the University of Waterloo, Grywacheski decided to pursue her Computing Science degree at the University of Alberta. “Moving to Edmonton was a big step for me. I was proud of myself for being able to move to a new city where I didn’t know anyone,” she said. Grywacheski was appreciative of the continued support that the MTMS Graduate Support Team offered despite being hundreds of kilometers away. “MTMS wants to see you succeed in life. They help you with career guidance, resume building, applying to university, and scholarships. Whatever you need, they are there to help. They helped me move twice for university and walked me through the steps of buying my first car. They were always there whenever I needed them,” Grywacheski said. Due to a generous donation to MTMS from the MacKay Family, Grywacheski was also able to receive funding from the MacKay Family Bursary throughout her studies. “The MacKay Bursary allowed me to work fewer hours during the school year, gave me more time to be involved in my community, and better maintain my mental and physical health. I would not be where I am today without the wonderful support of compassionate donors who cared about my education.”
"Be confident in your abilities and that if you don’t know something, you can learn it and find success.” - Jesse Grywacheski, MTMS alum
In a recent visit back to the middle school, Grywacheski reflected on the role that MTMS played throughout her educational journey. “Looking back, it was very impactful the way they did things,” she said. She also spoke about how MTMS focuses on caring for the whole person. “Dental, eye care, I just went to the optometrist and they helped me with my glasses. They focus on the individual and what you need to be successful,” she said.
When asked about what advice she would share with current MTMS students she mentioned the importance of having a positive mindset and goal-setting. “Keep your goals in mind and know to achieve a goal there are steps you must take, it doesn’t just happen overnight. If things get tough, know you have done hard things in the past, so you can do hard things now. Be confident in your abilities and that if you don’t know something, you can learn it and find success,” shared Grywacheski.
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If you would like to make a difference in the lives of students like Jesse in our Graduate Support Program, we would love to connect!
Evie Sawatzky | Director of Development
P: 306-569-6867 Ext. 4