In the world of comic books, origin stories inform the reader of the identity and motivations of heroes and villains (thankfully, we only have the former here). Like Spider-Man or Captain America, your origin story is important as it defines who you are today. Learn about the experiences, people, and influences that shaped Concord's Maya Tanovska by reading below!
I grew up in a family where home was more than just a building – it was warmth, support, and endless love. My grandma and grandpa are still my idols today; they showed me how family and a loving home can give you the strength to face any challenge. The rest of my family has always been my support system – with advice, laughter, and sometimes a gentle kick in the right direction.
My favorite tradition is simply being together – talking, laughing, and enjoying little rituals, including our tiny “Italian-style” family quarrels that leave memories for a lifetime. Whether it’s grandma’s homemade banitsa (filo pastry with cheese) or a weekend walk together, these moments remind me that relationships are the most precious thing we have.
My biggest influence has been my grandma and grandpa – their courage, perseverance, and kindness shaped who I am. But the real magic comes from my whole family, who have always believed in me, even when I doubted myself.
I love traveling – from snowy mountain peaks to exotic beaches, where the sea is as blue as a dream. Traveling allows me to meet new people, try new foods, and dive into stories that inspire me.
My life has been a mix of science and sports. As a former professional rhythmic gymnast in Neshka Robeva’s team, I had to make a choice: sport or science. I chose science, which led me to pursue a PhD in Medical Physics and Biophysics, with research experience in international labs supported by scholarships at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russia, and the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia.
But life isn’t only about labs and books. I also participated in the reality sports show “Survival Games.” I didn’t make it to the finale – hunger got the better of me – but in four weeks under the open sky, I learned more about myself than in months in the lab: courage, endurance, and that sometimes failure is the best teacher.
I love trying new flavors, because food is one of the best ways to understand the soul of a place. Yet, grandma’s banitsa (filo pastry with cheese) remains unbeatable – no trip can ever top it.
Curiosity and physics led me to become a QA Engineer at Concord. At first glance, it may seem like a career detour, but for me, it’s a natural extension of scientific thinking – paying attention to details, analyzing, solving problems, and constantly striving to improve.
Sports have always been part of my life – from rhythmic gymnastics to skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and mountain trekking. Extreme challenges like skydiving and bungee jumping are my adrenaline fix, and movement, nature, and a little fear are how I recharge.
My greatest achievement is my sweet little baby, who taught me patience, unconditional love, and entirely new dimensions of life. I also take pride in my academic journey, my international research experiences, and every moment I’ve chosen to step out of my comfort zone.
I would say, “Be confident, never give up, and follow your dreams and curiosity.” Life is full of challenges and opportunities – we just need to be ready to face them and enjoy the journey. And remember: sometimes failure is just a new adventure you haven’t understood yet.
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