Zaruhi Poghosyan
Van Nuys,CA
Summary
I am a high school student with a deep passion for engineering, robotics, and mentorship, but I am also someone who values balance, discipline, and personal growth. I will be competing at the FTC World Championships and have mentored over 100 robotics teams worldwide, helping students with design, engineering portfolios, and strategy. Seeing teams grow and succeed because of guidance I provided has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
Outside of robotics, I am an active member of my varsity club swim team. Swimming has taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of hard work, and it keeps me physically and mentally strong. Balancing rigorous training with school, robotics, and mentoring has taught me time management, focus, and dedication.
I love sharing what I learn with others, creating opportunities for younger students to explore STEM, and building projects that combine creativity with problem-solving. I am driven by curiosity, motivated by challenge, and inspired by the chance to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Competitive Swimmer
Los Angeles Swim Club
Los Angeles, CA
02.2014 - Current
- Developed competitive swimming techniques through rigorous training and practice.
- Collaborated with coaches to refine stroke efficiency and improve overall performance.
- Assisted in team practices, fostering a supportive environment among teammates.
- Analyzed swim meet performances to identify areas for improvement and strategy adjustments.
- Mentored younger swimmers on technique, sportsmanship, and competition preparation.
- Participated in regular strength and conditioning sessions to enhance athletic performance.
- Helped organize team events, promoting camaraderie and engagement within the club.
- Maintained focus on personal goals while contributing to team objectives during competitions.
- Developed mental resilience through overcoming challenges such as injuries or setbacks during competition seasons.
- Earned numerous medals and awards in both individual events and relay races due to exceptional dedication to the sport.
- Cultivated leadership skills and commitment to excellence by receiving varsity letter award and scholar athlete award. Demonstrated dedication to academic and athletic pursuits through recognition as a scholar athlete.
- Applied discipline and sense of responsibility toward all team and personal activities.
- Trained extensively 13 hours per week for upcoming competitions to perform at top-level.
Head of Outreach for Robotics
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies
Tarzana, CA
09.2023 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Developed and executed various fundraising events and outreach opportunities to enhance team collaboration and community involvement.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Implemented effective budgeting and investment practices to achieve a net income exceeding $10,000.
- Achieved qualification for world championships in Houston, Texas.
- Led initiatives that resulted in four Inspire Awards. Oversaw projects that secured Final Alliance Award. Championed design efforts that earned two Design Awards.
Mentor for Robotics Teams
First Tech Challenge Teams
Los Angeles, CA
09.2025 - Current
- Guided participants in robotics design and programming techniques to enhance team performance.
- Facilitated workshops to strengthen problem-solving skills and teamwork among mentees.
- Provided constructive feedback on team projects to foster continuous improvement.
- Mentored students in strategy development for effective robot operation during competitions.
- Analyzed multiple engineering portfolios and offered detailed recommendations for refinement.
- Provided mentorship to over 100 FTC and FRC teams, fostering skills and strategies for success in robotics competitions.
- Developed trust-based relationships with mentees through active listening and empathetic communication.
- Coordinated with other professionals involved in the mentoring process to ensure seamless support for each participant''s journey toward success.
- Conducted regular one-on-one coaching sessions to address individual development needs, improving overall performance.
Cybersecurity Club Founder
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies
Tarzana, CA
08.2025 - Current
- Established curriculum development processes to enhance student learning experiences.
- Fostered community partnerships to support educational programs and initiatives.
- Led staff training workshops to improve instructional strategies and effectiveness.
- Implemented performance assessment tools for tracking student progress and outcomes.
- Coordinated fundraising events to secure financial support for school projects.
- Developed and delivered educational content on essential cybersecurity ethical concepts and practices for students.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Managed approximately 50 incoming calls, emails, and connections from students.
Swim Coach
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies
Tarzana, CA
02.2024 - Current
- Developed individualized training plans to enhance swimmers' skills and performance.
- Monitored swimmer progress and provided constructive feedback to improve techniques.
- Conducted safety briefings and enforced pool rules to maintain a secure environment.
- Organized practice schedules to maximize training efficiency and athlete availability.
- Implemented drills focusing on stroke refinement, endurance, and competitive readiness.
- Fostered a positive team culture, encouraging camaraderie and sportsmanship among athletes.
- Demonstrated all swimming strokes and observed athletes carefully to correct technique and form.
- Developed strong relationships with swimmers and their families, creating open communication channels for feedback and goal setting.
- Prepared athletes for special competitions and tournaments.
- Coached over 50 swimmers in total ranging from 9-12th grade.
Math Tutor
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies
Tarzana, CA
08.2024 - Current
- Developed customized lesson plans to enhance student understanding of mathematical concepts.
- Implemented interactive tutoring sessions to foster engagement and improve problem-solving skills.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Collaborated with educators to align tutoring strategies with classroom curriculum and standards.
- Developed positive relationships with students and parents, fostering open communication about progress and areas for growth.
- Achieved significant increase in students' grades by providing targeted practice and feedback.
- Played key role in students achieving their academic goals by setting clear objectives and milestones.
- Managed over 25 students and maintained connections for full support.
Head Referee for VEX Robotics
VEX Robotics Competition
Los Angeles, CA
10.2025 - 01.2026
- Oversaw adherence to competition rules and regulations, ensuring fair play among participants.
- Trained and mentored junior referees on officiating techniques and conflict resolution strategies.
- Coordinated match schedules and logistics, optimizing efficiency for event operations.
- Conducted pre-competition briefings to clarify rules and expectations for teams and officials.
- Resolved disputes between teams by applying conflict resolution skills in high-pressure situations.
- Maintained high levels of professionalism, ensuring impartiality throughout all games officiated.
- Improved player safety by monitoring on-field actions and promptly addressing any misconduct.
- Promoted good sportsmanship among players.
- Managed approximately 75 middle school students at the competitions, ensuring fair play and strong sportsmanship.
Junior Lifeguard for LACOFD
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Will Rogers Beach, CA
06.2023 - 08.2025
- Learned to perform rescues and administer first aid during emergencies.
- Participated in daily training sessions to enhance lifesaving skills and knowledge.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of lifeguarding equipment and facilities.
- Participated in Taplin competition annually, showcasing commitment and skill in the sport.
- Achieved first place in girls' three-person relay, showcasing teamwork and athleticism at all beach competition.
- Received Most Inspirational and Most Improved awards, reflecting commitment to excellence and positive influence on team dynamics
Volunteer at St. Peter's Church
Sirvart Kavoukjian
Van Nuys, CA
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Assisted in organizing community events to enhance local engagement.
- Coordinated volunteer schedules to ensure adequate coverage for activities.
- Managed inventory of supplies, ensuring availability for projects and events.
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Communicated with staff members to stay informed about volunteer opportunities and events.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
- Tracked service activities and outcomes against outlined plans and goals.
- Managed over 150 students in total and maintained communications with their parents for updates and upcoming events.
Education
Master of Science - Engineering Management
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies
Tarzana06-2027
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Effective leadership
- Team collaboration
- Organization
- Skill development
- Scheduling
- Goal planning
- Progress monitoring
- Enrichment activities
- Stress management
- Life skills development
- Constructive feedback
Accomplishments
- Achieved qualification to World Championships for First Tech Challenge (FTC).
- Won Inspire Award 4x, Design Award 2x, Final Alliance, and the Control Award in FTC Robotics.
- Earned most inspirational and most improved in Junior Lifeguard.
- Competed in 3-person relay and won first in an all beach tournament.
- Certified AWS Cloud Quest: Cloud Practitioner.
- 7x Gold and 1x Silver in League meets for High School swim.
- Mentored over 100+ Robotics Teams around the world, 15 of which earned the Inspire Award.
- Engaged over 50K people online as PR.
- Varsity Athlete with a Scholar Athlete Award and with a Varsity Letter Award.
- Tutored over 25 students in mathematics.
- Used Visual Studio Code to create various games through Python.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Armenian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Head Referee for VEX Robotics
VEX Robotics Competition
10.2025 - 01.2026
Mentor for Robotics Teams
First Tech Challenge Teams
09.2025 - Current
Cybersecurity Club Founder
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies
08.2025 - Current
Math Tutor
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies
08.2024 - Current
Swim Coach
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies
02.2024 - Current
Head of Outreach for Robotics
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies
09.2023 - Current
Volunteer at St. Peter's Church
Sirvart Kavoukjian
07.2023 - 08.2023
Junior Lifeguard for LACOFD
Los Angeles County Fire Department
06.2023 - 08.2025
Competitive Swimmer
Los Angeles Swim Club
02.2014 - Current
Master of Science - Engineering Management
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies