Political Science and International Relations Department student at Harvard Aspire Institute…
Hazal Naz Yıldız, a third-year student at Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Political Science and International Relations (English), has been accepted into the Leadership Program of the Harvard Aspire Institute. Yıldız, who is the first person in her family to attend university, said that this responsibility has motivated her to achieve success in her education and career. She expressed her great happiness upon learning of her acceptance into the Leadership Program and stated that “Seeing the results of my efforts and having the opportunity to develop myself on an international platform was an unforgettable moment for me.” Yıldız also expressed that she will use the knowledge and experience she gains to stand against inequality in the world and be the voice of the oppressed.
Another success added to Üsküdar University students’ achievements.
Hazal Naz Yıldız has been accepted into the Leadership Program at the Harvard Aspire Institute.
“I sincerely explained my ideals and goals in my application.”
Regarding her motivation for applying to the Leadership Program, Yıldız said that “There is a long road ahead towards a great ideal, and the thought that every step I take in this journey will bring me closer to my goal is the biggest factor that motivates me. What motivated me about this program was my desire to improve my leadership skills and share knowledge with people from different cultures. In my application, I sincerely explained my ideals and goals. I believe that my internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate General of Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication, my academic achievements, and my activities in non-governmental organizations played a big role in my acceptance.”
“It is a great responsibility and a source of pride.”
Touching on what it feels like to be the first person in her family to attend university, Yıldız stated that “Being the first is a great responsibility and a source of pride. This situation has made me set higher goals in my education and career, and it has motivated me to achieve more at every step. In today’s world, just having a university degree is not enough to be employable, of course, and I’ve never been someone who thought it was enough. Success is the combination of many factors. That is why I work hard without stopping to become the most qualified in my field.”
“It provided an environment that enhanced my analytical thinking skills.”
Yıldız emphasized the importance of Üsküdar University in her success and expressed that “Üsküdar University, with its academics and its structure that always supports students, provided an environment that strengthened my academic infrastructure and helped me develop my analytical thinking skills. The education I received, the projects I participated in, and especially my activities at the Üsküdar University Strategic Research Center played an important role in my acceptance into the leadership program.”
“The value of the person who first believes in you is something very special.”
When asked if there was a teacher who inspired her or an unforgettable moment in her education, Yıldız replied that “Yes, there is, my primary school teacher, my teacher Nazım, is very valuable to me. The value of the person who first believes in you is something very special, and I am grateful to him for believing in me and my potential from the very first day. I still keep in touch with him, and I share every good news with him with great excitement.”
“The greatest challenge is to lift the obstacles.”
Yıldız discussed the challenges she faced in her educational journey and how she coped with them: “The greatest challenge is actually to lift the obstacles. Because no matter how much academic success we achieve, there will always be those who try to put obstacles in front of us. The important thing is for the person to realize that they do not need anyone’s approval, and the only thing they need is belief in themselves and determination. When we understand and accept that the road to success is not smooth, but full of difficulties and struggles, I think we have already overcome the greatest challenge. I will continue my work with the awareness that ‘one who runs with love does not get tired.’”
“I will use my knowledge to stand against inequality in the world and be the voice of the oppressed.”
Describing her goals after the program, Yıldız spoke about how her experience at Harvard will impact her career and personal development: “After the program, my goal is to use my leadership skills at an international level to lead effective projects. I want to represent our country internationally. I will use my accumulated knowledge and experience to stand against inequality in the world and be the voice of the oppressed. I will continue to fight for a more just world with the belief and awareness that it is possible. I believe that my experience at Harvard will open the door to new opportunities in both my academic and professional career.”
“My professors received this success with great excitement and pride.”
Yıldız stated that the support of Üsküdar University academics and friends is endless and expressed that “My professors received this success with great excitement and pride. I love sharing every academic success with my professors, and they motivate me even more by sharing my excitement and happiness with me and always offering their support.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)