Growing up in Russia, as a competitive ballroom dancer, Maria Gershenovich never dreamed she would someday attend law school in the U.S. At age 14, Maria had the opportunity to join a dance studio in Seattle which meant leaving her family and embarking on a new life half a world away. She and her dance partner achieved great success and became national champions. However, her education in the U.S. did not start out on such good footing. She attended three different high schools and a community college while in Washington. Then at 18, Maria relocated to the Bay Area, checked out local community colleges and decided to attend CSM.

"CSM became my first "real school" experience where I really got to know people - students and my professors. I took challenging classes but it was worth it. For example, in my philosophy class, I was learning how to think critically for the first time and it actually made me feel like my brain was growing from all that I was learning." Her experience was so positive that she has recruited some of her friends to enroll at CSM. "I tell people that there is a lot going on in the way of student life, the student body is very diverse, and now that construction is almost completed, the campus is beautiful!"

Upon completing her transfer requirements, Maria enrolled at San Francisco State University where she majored in criminal justice and international relations and, in spring 2011, earned her bachelor's degree. Following internships with a superior court judge, criminal defense attorney and the District Attorney's Office, Maria made the decision to pursue a career in law. She has been accepted to and offered a generous scholarship to Boalt Law School where she begins her graduate studies in fall 2011.