59-year-old Fatma Tunca, who was accepted into Üsküdar University's Sociology Department master's program, has an interesting success story. Tunca stated that she was a primary school graduate housewife when she got married and resumed her education after her children completed their studies. The determined woman completed middle school and high school through open education, then graduated from university by completing the Sociology department, again through open education. Fatma Tunca, who recently began her master's education in the Üsküdar University Sociology department, stated that she reached this point through her own efforts and successes, and wishes to undertake beneficial projects for society in the future.
“I have lived for others until today; from now on, I will do what makes me happy.”
Fatma Tunca, a mother of two, was a primary school graduate housewife. Tunca stated that she returned to her education after her children finished university; “I have always lived for others until now; from today onwards, I want to do things that make me happy.” she said. Tunca added; “I graduated my children from university. My son is a veterinary doctor, and my daughter is a Research Assistant at Sakarya University. I was a primary school graduate housewife, and after raising my children well and graduating them from university, I decided to resume my education. I completed middle school and high school through open education. For my undergraduate degree, I graduated from the Sociology department, again through the open education system. Sociology was the closest field to me. I chose this department because of my age and because of sociology's interaction with many other fields. During this process, my husband didn't want me to study, yet we still went to exams together; he didn't leave me alone. However, while I was so determined, he didn't support my studies. As a woman who will turn 60 this October, I have always lived for others until today. From now on, I want to do what makes me happy and be beneficial to people.” she said.
“From now on, I want to live my life by touching hearts.”
Emphasizing the importance of education, Tunca offered advice to young people; “Whatever profession they pursue, education comes first. Education is necessary for everyone. As an elderly person, I don't know how much longer I have to live. Maybe I have another 30 years ahead of me, or maybe just a few. But no matter how long I live, I want to complete the rest of my life by being beneficial to people and touching hearts. Society needs every profession from every segment. Taxi drivers and mechanics are also needed, but education comes first. At my age, I want to be an example to people with what I have achieved. Those with goals in this regard should never lose hope or give up. Especially women should continue their education, go as far as they can. From primary school to middle school, from high school to university, and even pursue their master's degrees. They should not see any obstacle as too big to overcome; with determination and effort, all obstacles can be overcome. As long as women study.” she stated.
“My goal is to be beneficial to my country and humanity.”
Tunca stated that after raising her children, she had no other pursuits at home; “I am alone on this path; from now on, I want to be beneficial to humanity.” she said. Tunca continued; “My family and children appreciate my successes, but since they have experienced this journey with me, they see it as normal. I educated myself from the very beginning; I walk this path alone. From now on, I want to continue my education while also being beneficial to humanity and working for my country. In fact, in line with this goal, I want to run for parliament. I want to work for the state and be beneficial to my country.” she expressed.
“My mother worked hard and succeeded; I am proud of her.”
Hatice Tunca, her daughter and a Research Assistant, expressed her pride in her mother, Fatma Tunca; “My mother worked very hard and finally graduated from the Sociology department, which she greatly desired. Most recently, she enrolled in Üsküdar University's Sociology Department Master's program, standing out in exams against her Generation Z competitors. When we went for enrollment, everyone from the Üsküdar University security guards to the department head welcomed my mother and me very warmly. I am proud of my mother.” she said.