Extracurricular
### NICS Club and Presidency
In the 6th grade of middle school, our school welcomed a new coordinator who introduced the NICS (National International Community Service) Club, and I had the honor of being one of its founders. My journey with NICS began with a deep passion for community service and global awareness. Eventually, I rose to the position of President, where I led the club through various impactful activities. Every morning, about an hour before school started, we would convene at 7:30 AM to discuss and brainstorm solutions for pressing global issues. These early morning meetings were not just a routine but a mission to make a difference. We organized research trips, managed discussions, and coordinated significant events. Hosting multiple competitions and conferences at our school, we invited renowned professors and oversaw the organization of these events. It was during this time that I realized my passion for delegating tasks, being part of a team, and greatly improving my leadership skills. The experiences and lessons from NICS shaped my understanding of teamwork, responsibility, and the importance of community service.
### Ceramics Club and Art Exhibition
Throughout middle school, I was an active member of the Ceramics Club for two years. This club provided me with an avenue to explore my interest in ceramics and work on various creative projects. The tactile experience of shaping and molding clay into art was both therapeutic and fulfilling. Alongside my involvement in ceramics, I discovered my passion for painting, which culminated in my first art exhibition. This exhibition was fashion-themed, showcasing my unique perspective on fashion through my paintings. Additionally, I attended Painting Courses for three years, during which I created numerous pieces. Many of these artworks were donated to those in need, a practice I often did with the support of my mother. These experiences allowed me to refine my artistic skills and instilled in me a sense of purpose and generosity.
### JMUN and MUN Experiences
In the 7th grade, I attended my first Junior Model United Nations (JMUN) conference, traveling from Istanbul to Tarsus. This was my first trip without my family, marking a significant step towards independence and responsibility. The experience of representing a country, debating global issues, and collaborating with peers was exhilarating and educational. It sparked a passion for international relations and diplomacy. In subsequent years, I participated in several more Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, each time enhancing my public speaking, negotiation, and leadership skills. When I started high school, the pandemic brought new challenges, moving all activities online. As the only student in my grade with prior MUN experience from middle school, I took on the role of President of the MUN Club. Leading the club, we participated in our first online MUN conference. Despite the virtual setting, the experience was enriching and fostered a sense of unity and perseverance within our team.
### Culinary Club
High school brought another opportunity to pursue my passions, and I joined the Culinary Club. Cooking has always been a cherished activity for me since childhood. The club provided a platform to explore and enhance my culinary skills while sharing the joy of cooking with others. Over the course of a year, we cooked various dishes and distributed our meals, creating a warm and enjoyable environment. This experience not only refined my cooking abilities but also taught me the importance of collaboration and community service.
### Global Citizen Club (GCC)
In the 10th grade, the Global Citizen Club (GCC) was established, and I immediately felt it was a perfect fit for me. I took on the role of team leader and also became responsible for public relations. Managing the club’s Instagram account and overseeing our social media presence was an exciting challenge. GCC focused on global awareness, leadership, and community service. One of the most memorable projects was organizing a seminar on the role of women in society, where I had the privilege of inviting Yasemin Adar, a world-renowned athlete, to speak at our school. This event was a testament to the impact of our club and reinforced my belief in the power of leadership and effective communication.
### TEMA Foundation
At the beginning of high school, I became involved with the TEMA Foundation, an organization dedicated to environmental protection. My participation with TEMA allowed me to develop a strong sense of love and responsibility for nature. I worked on several meaningful projects, focusing on conservation and sustainability. As a TEMA volunteer, I decided to influence my friends at school. Beyond attending individual events, I organized our school to collectively participate in activities like acorn collection trips. These experiences deepened my understanding of environmental issues and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact on the planet.
### Istanbul Marathon for Turkish Education Volunteers Foundation
Participating in the famous Istanbul Marathon on behalf of the Turkish Education Volunteers Foundation (TEGV) was a significant milestone in my life. The marathon, with its challenging course of approximately 42 kilometers, provided a unique opportunity to raise funds and awareness for TEGV’s educational initiatives. Running across the Bosphorus Bridge, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, was an exhilarating experience. The support and encouragement I received during the marathon were heartwarming, and knowing that my efforts contributed to a worthy cause made the experience even more fulfilling.
### Visits to Darülaceze
Since the 9th grade, visiting Darülaceze has become a meaningful and regular part of my life. Darülaceze is a home for the elderly and those without families, and my visits there have been incredibly enriching. Bringing food, sharing conversations, and simply spending time with the residents have brought joy and comfort to both them and myself. These visits have taught me the value of empathy, kindness, and the importance of human connection. The experience has been deeply fulfilling and has reinforced my commitment to community service.
### Tennis Tournaments and Camps
Tennis has been a significant part of my life since I was 6 years old. Participating in tennis tournaments and camps has provided me with an excellent way to stay active, relieve stress, and develop discipline. The competitive nature of the sport has taught me perseverance, focus, and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Tennis continues to be a passion of mine, and I cherish the lessons and experiences it has brought me.
### FRC and PR Role
At the beginning of high school, I joined our school’s FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) team, specifically working in the PR (Public Relations) department. This experience was fantastic for fostering team spirit and collaboration. Working on PR strategies, managing communications, and promoting our team’s efforts were both challenging and rewarding. Being part of the FRC team allowed me to develop my skills in public relations, teamwork, and project management, all while contributing to the success of our team.
### Junior Editor at Polyphony
In the 11th grade, I began training to become a junior editor for Polyphony, a student-run publication. This role has allowed me to refine my writing and editing skills, contributing to the publication of high-quality literary content. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and being an editor has provided me with the opportunity to engage with diverse literary works and collaborate with fellow writers. The experience has been immensely enjoyable and rewarding, fostering my love for literature and enhancing my editorial abilities.
### Yetkin Gençler Trainee
Since February 2024, I have been a Trainee at Yetkin Gençler, a leadership development program focused on nurturing young leaders. In this full-time role, I have been involved in various leadership development programs and project management initiatives, gaining valuable skills and experience in strategic planning and execution. The program has provided me with the tools and insights needed to become an effective leader, and I have enjoyed the process of learning and growing in this capacity.
### Member at Institute Of One World Leadership & Centre for Positive Value Leadership
Since December 2023, I have been a member of the Institute Of One World Leadership & Centre for Positive Value Leadership. This role has allowed me to engage in project management and community service initiatives, contributing to global leadership development and positive social impact. Being part of this institute has broadened my understanding of leadership and provided me with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the world.
### Volunteer at Mor Çatı Kadın Sığınağı Vakfı
Since November 2023, I have been volunteering at the Mor Çatı Women’s Shelter Foundation. In this role, I have been actively involved in project management and community service, supporting women and children affected by domestic violence. The experience has been both challenging and rewarding, and it has deepened my commitment to advocating for women’s rights and providing support to those in need.
### PR Member at TExT
Since November 2023, I have been working as a PR Member at TExT. This full-time role involves managing public relations efforts and contributing to the overall communication strategy of the organization. Working in PR has enhanced my communication skills and provided me with valuable insights into the field of public relations.
### Junior Editor at Polyphony Lit
Since October 2023, I have been serving as a Junior Editor at Polyphony Lit. This role has allowed me to refine my writing and editing skills, contributing to the publication of high-quality literary content. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and being an editor has provided me with the opportunity to engage with diverse literary works and collaborate with fellow writers. The experience has been immensely enjoyable and rewarding, fostering my love for literature and enhancing my editorial abilities.
### Volunteer at WWF
Since June 2022, I have been a volunteer at WWF, participating in various environmental conservation projects. My involvement with WWF has included promoting awareness and action towards protecting our planet’s biodiversity. Working on these projects has deepened my understanding of environmental issues and reinforced my commitment to conservation.
### Volunteer at TEGV
Since September 2021, I have been volunteering at the Turkish Education Volunteers Foundation (TEGV). In this role, I have supported educational initiatives and contributed to the development of educational programs for children. Volunteering with TEGV has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to make a