The Importance of Talent Awareness Explained to Young People

Within the scope of the Istanbul Student Councils Project, carried out under the coordination of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, and the Youth R&D Project, developed by the Strategy Development Department, a talk themed “Talent Awareness” was held hosted by Üsküdar Üniversitesi. The talk, delivered by Rector Advisor Halide İncekara, attracted significant interest from young people. İncekara, in her speech, encouraged young people to discover their talents and make a difference among their peers.

The talk, which took place at Üsküdar Üniversitesi NP Health Campus İbni Sina Auditorium, was attended by educators and students, including Üsküdar Üniversitesi Rector Advisor Halide İncekara, Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education Branch Manager Ayşe Nur Menekşe Çalıkçı, and Genetic Specialist Büşra Teke.

Ayşe Nur Menekşe Çalıkçı: “We Aim to Contribute to the Development of Our Youth”

The opening remarks of the program were delivered by Ayşe Nur Menekşe Çalıkçı, Branch Manager of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education. Çalıkçı stated; “I want to express my great excitement and happiness to be with you today at the 'Talent Awareness' themed talk program, which we organized in line with the common goals of the Istanbul Student Councils Project, carried out under the coordination of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, and the Youth R&D Project, implemented by the Strategy Development Department. As two strong and visionary projects, we aim to contribute to the social, cultural, and individual development of our youth.”

Halide İncekara: “There is a talent waiting to be discovered within each of us”

Following the opening speech, University Rector Advisor Halide İncekara touched upon the importance of talent awareness. Emphasizing that young people should make a difference not only with numerical achievements but also with their personal characteristics and talents, İncekara stated; “In life, we can create a real difference among our peers by revealing our unique aspects. There is a talent waiting to be discovered within each of us. We are not expecting great miracles; what matters is your ability to turn your intelligence and successes into a unique story of your own. It is very valuable to be able to shine your own light on this journey. Remember, if your absence is felt somewhere, it means you have left a real mark there. Trust yourself and ensure your value is recognized in every environment you are in.”

Büşra Teke: “We Are a Reflection of the Bonds We Form with Them”

Genetic Specialist Büşra Teke, who offered advice to young people within the scope of the event, touched upon the relationship between epigenetics and talent. Teke said; “Are our genes our destiny? Are we bound by them? No. This is precisely where our environment comes into play. Our peers, our friends, the people we spend time with... Remember that we are mostly a reflection of the bonds we form with them. Perhaps your family has not fully discovered your talent until now. But you are here today, you came with your teachers. A teacher with this awareness has the power to see and bring out the talent within you.”

The seminar, organized to raise awareness among students, concluded after a Q&A session and a group photo.