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Natalija Beleska’s path to graduation spanned thousands of miles, from Struga, North Macedonia, to Lakewood, New Jersey. As a dedicated student-athlete, peer mentor, and aspiring cybersecurity professional, she embraced every opportunity along the way.
Natalija came to the United States to pursue higher education and basketball, balancing rigorous academics with the demands of collegiate athletics. After spending two years at community colleges in Montana and Illinois, she enrolled at Georgian Court University to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Cyber Crime.
“Being so far from home was challenging, including adjusting to a new culture and language. But Georgian Court’s international student services, my professors, and my friends all made me feel at home,” said Natalija. “Being part of the women’s basketball team helped immensely, as my teammates became my family.”
Off the basketball court, Natalija is focused on cybersecurity. She recently conducted research on “Detecting Typosquatting in Python Packages Using Generative AI” under the guidance of Dr. Dae Wook Kim, Director of the Computer Information Systems Program. Natalija was then chosen to present the project at the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey (ICUNJ) Undergraduate Research Symposium.
“As I learn more about the digital threats facing individuals and organizations today, I’m drawn to cybersecurity,” she said. “I want to be part of the solution to keep today’s digital environment safe.”
Natalija’s work earned her the Nokia Bell Labs Scholarship for Advancing Women and Minorities in STEM. Additionally, she received the Academic Achievement Award in Computer Information Systems, is a member of the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society (Kappa Gamma Pi) and the National College Athlete Honor Society (Chi Alpha Sigma), and was named to the President’s List every semester during her time at Georgian Court.
As a Student Ambassador, Natalija connected prospective international students to the Georgian Court community, drawing from her own experiences to offer support and insight. She also served as a peer tutor in mathematics, assisting fellow students while developing her own skills.
When asked about advice for high school international students considering Georgian Court, Natalija said, “At Georgian Court, you’re not just a number. You’ll be part of a community that truly cares about your success. Whether you’re into sports, academics, or service, there is a space here for you to grow and thrive.”
Not only is Natalija excited to celebrate her success on Commencement Day, but she looks forward to welcoming her family to Georgian Court’s campus and to the United States for the first time. For Natalija, this milestone symbolizes not only her own perseverance but also the unwavering support of her loved ones back home.
Natalija’s journey has repeatedly taught her that challenges often lead to expanded opportunities. After suffering a torn ACL during basketball practice, Natalija was granted additional athletic eligibility, allowing her to pursue a Master of Science in Applied Data Science while continuing to play basketball at the graduate level.
“The support from my professors and my research experience gave me the confidence to take this next step,” she said of pursuing cybersecurity at the graduate level.
Natalija has made her family and home country proud, left an indelible mark on Georgian Court, and chartered a course to pursue her passions.
