Derya Ezber, who could not continue her education due to early marriage, health problems, and similar adverse conditions, realized her childhood dream at Üsküdar University at the age of 42. Having successfully completed the Autopsy Assistantship, Electroneurophysiology, and Emergency and Disaster Management programs, Ezber's current goal is to pursue a master's degree, followed by an academic career.
Üsküdar University, founded on March 03, 2011, with the title of Turkey's first thematic university in the fields of Behavioral Sciences and Health, facilitates many people in realizing their dreams. One of these individuals is Derya Ezber, who, at 42, serves as an example to those around her with her success. Ezber, who could not continue her education due to an early marriage, later stayed away from education for a considerable time due to subsequent health problems.
She made a list of the departments she dreamed of
After the age of 35, when her life began to normalize, Derya's destination for realizing her dreams became Üsküdar University. Ezber first made a list of the programs she had dreamed of since childhood and then began studying those programs. Her educational journey, which started with Emergency and Disaster Management at the Vocational School of Health Services, continued with Autopsy Assistantship and Electroneurophysiology. This year, Ezber graduated from her third program and is also pursuing an open education program in Laboratory and Veterinary Technician at another university.
“All students were my child's age”
Ezber, stating that Üsküdar University holds a special place for her, said, “I can say this place became a turning point in my life. It greatly contributed to me gaining self-confidence and getting to know myself. Due to early marriage, economic conditions, and health problems, I had both withdrawn from life and introverted. With my husband's support, I took the exam and got into this university. The first days were very difficult. All the students were my child's age. I thought I wouldn't be able to adapt. However, both my professors and the university environment embraced me so much that I quickly got used to it. If I hadn't warmed up to the university, I would have dropped out. I'm glad that didn't happen; I am at a very different point now. Self-confidence and socialization then brought success. I studied all the departments I dreamed of, one by one. It's a wonderful feeling. I wish everyone could experience this.”
“What was important for me was not to get a job, but to achieve something”
Ezber, stating that she received positive reactions from her surroundings, said, “I share my graduation ceremonies and my happiness on social media. I saw that I became an example for my peers in similar situations. After me, some started university with formal education, and some with distance learning. The topics we discuss have also changed. While we used to talk about daily mundane issues, now we cover current events. What was important for me was not to get a job, but to achieve something. I am at that stage now. I couldn't have imagined that I would love the university so much and that it would make me so happy. For me, Üsküdar University became like my family. They supported me in every way. Even after graduating, I will maintain my contact with the school and meet with my professors. I come here whenever I find an opportunity. Perhaps one day I will join them as an academician. Why not? I thank everyone who supported me. My new goals are a master's degree first, followed by an academic career.”
“My joke came true”
Elvan Ezber, stating that he is always proud of his wife, said: “One day, Derya said, ‘I want to be a university student too.’ I jokingly said, ‘don't overtake me,’ and we laughed. I supported her during the exam preparation process. We studied together. After she passed the exam, she handled the rest herself. She worked very hard, put in a lot of effort, and deserved this result. I thought she would complete her university education with one program. My joke came true, and now she has surpassed me in the number of programs. I will be by her side until she reaches the highest point she can.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan and Prof. Dr. Güngör congratulated her
Derya, who surprised her classmates with her determination, met with Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan and Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör during Üsküdar University's Preference Days. Tarhan and Güngör congratulated Ezber for her achievements and offered advice for her future.
