Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Political Science and International Relations (English) Department 3rd-year student Hazal Naz Yıldız has been accepted into the Harvard Aspire Institute’s Leadership Program. Stating that being the first person in her family to attend university has placed a great responsibility on her, Yıldız mentioned that this has provided her with the motivation to succeed in her education and career. Expressing immense happiness upon learning of her acceptance to the Leadership Program, Hazal Naz Yıldız said, “Seeing my efforts bear fruit and having the opportunity to develop myself on an international platform is an unforgettable moment for me.” Yıldız noted that she will use the knowledge and experience she has gained to stand against inequality in the world and to be the voice of the oppressed.
Another success has been added to the achievements of Üsküdar Üniversitesi students.
Hazal Naz Yıldız was accepted into the Harvard Aspire Institute’s Leadership Program.
“I sincerely explained my ideals and goals in my application”
Regarding her motivation for applying to the leadership program, Yıldız stated; “There is a long road ahead of me leading to a great ideal, and the thought that every step I take on this journey will bring me closer to my goal is the biggest factor motivating me. What motivated me about this program was my desire to develop 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 this summer at the Deputy Directorate General of Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, my academic achievements, and my activities in non-governmental organizations also played a significant role in my acceptance.”
“A great responsibility and source of pride”
Referring to how she feels about being the first person in her family to attend university, Yıldız said; “Being the first is a great responsibility and a source of pride. This situation has enabled me to set higher goals in my education and career and has given me the motivation to achieve more at every step. In today's world, simply being a university graduate is not enough to be employed, of course; I have never thought it was sufficient. Success is made up of a combination of many elements. That's why I work tirelessly to make myself the most qualified in my field.”
“Provided an environment that fosters analytical thinking skills”
Emphasizing the importance of Üsküdar Üniversitesi in achieving her success, Yıldız noted; “Üsküdar Üniversitesi, with its academics and its structure that always supports students, provided an environment that strengthened my academic background and equipped me with analytical thinking skills. The education I received, the projects I participated in, and especially my activities at the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Center for Strategic Research played an important role in my acceptance into the leadership program.”
“The value of the first person who believes in you is truly special”
To the question, “Is there a teacher who inspired you or an unforgettable moment during your education?” Yıldız replied; “Yes, there is. My elementary school teacher, Nazım Hodja, is very precious to me. The value of the first person who believes in you is truly special; no matter how much I thank him for believing in me and my potential from day one, it wouldn't be enough. I am still in touch with him and share every good news with him with great excitement.”
“The biggest challenge is overcoming obstacles”
Speaking about the challenges she faced on her educational journey and her coping techniques, Yıldız said;
“The biggest challenge is actually overcoming obstacles. Because no matter how much academic success we achieve, there will always be those who try to put obstacles in our way. What is important is for the person to understand that they don't need anyone's approval, that the only thing they need is self-belief and determination. I believe we overcome the biggest challenge when we understand and accept that the path to success is not straight, but full of difficulties and struggles. I will continue my work with the awareness that ‘one who runs with love never tires’.”
“I will use my knowledge to stand against inequality in the world and to be the voice of the oppressed.”
Describing her goals after the program, Yıldız touched upon the impact of her Harvard experience on her career and personal development. Yıldız said; “My goal after the program is to lead impactful projects by utilizing my leadership skills at an international level. I want to represent our country internationally. I will use my accumulated knowledge and experience to stand against inequality in the world and to be the voice of the oppressed. I will always continue to strive for a more just world with the belief and awareness that it is possible. I believe my experience at Harvard will open new opportunities in both my academic and professional career.”
“My professors welcomed this success with great excitement and pride”
Stating that the support from Üsküdar Üniversitesi academics and her friends is endless, Yıldız concluded by saying; “My professors welcomed this success with great excitement and pride. I love sharing all my academic achievements with my professors, and they, bless them, always share my excitement and happiness and do not withhold their support, motivating me even further.”