Page 71 - Young Wise

Betül KELEŞ GOOD EXAMPLES IN EDUCATION

BEST PRACTICES
INSPIRING STUDENTS

WHEN CONSISTENCY MEETS SELF-AWARENESS FROM SMALL PROJECTS TO BIG HORIZONS
Meet Çağan Ünaldı, a student currently studying Translation and Every meaningful journey begins with curiosity and the courage to
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Interpreting Studies at Boğaziçi University. His story shows how take the first step. Çınar Ölmez is a 12 -grade student at Denizli Erbakır
consistent hard work and knowing yourself can lead to great Science High School. He has been interested in software since primary
achievements. Çağan’s success did not happen overnight. In early school with the support of his family. He first learnt basic coding
high school, he wasn’t the most hardworking student. However, in through Scratch courses and later developed his skills in robotics lessons
in secondary school. In high school, Çınar continued to improve himself
Year 11, he decided to change his path. He ranked with a fantastic by taking online software courses and working on small projects.
result as a language student in the national university entrance exam.
At an early age, he also gained international and national experience. In
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His strategy involved focusing on his weakest subject: maths. 9 grade, he was selected for an Erasmus+ STEAM project and spent one
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By studying maths for three hours every day and finishing all week at SABA High School in Skopje, North Macedonia. In 11 grade, he
subjects by the end of Year 12, he built a very strong foundation. was selected by his school to attend the Hezarfen aviation and space
Additionally, his dedication to English helped him achieve 79 technologies programme in Samsun, as he was the most interested
correct answers out of 80 questions in the YDT exam. His journey student in this field. After the Turkish Stars and SoloTürk air show, he met
was not limited to books; Çağan was also the lead singer pilots and students from Türkiye’s top 50 science high schools. As
a team leader, he also took part in the International MEB
and guitarist in his school band. When he felt like Robotics Competition in Kayseri. These national and
giving up, music and his teachers’ support international experiences gave him the chance
helped him gain the confidence to to explore his interests more deeply and to
overcome his fear of failure. Today, he understand the importance of English as
stays focused on his goal of becoming a global language when communicating
a professor and advises others to with people from different countries.
know themselves and their goals He believes that starting early, working
first, and then choose suitable regularly, and not being afraid of
activities to stay motivated. Çağan ÜNALDI Çınar ÖLMEZ making mistakes are the keys to
improving oneself and becoming
more confident over time.
WINNING WITH PATIENCE: CHASING YOUR TRUE
HOW CLEAR GOALS LEAD Ece KELLECE Sezin TARHAN PASSION: SEZİN’S PATH TO
TO GREAT RESULTS HACETTEPE
Ece Kellece is an inspiring student Sezin Tarhan is an International
from Balıkesir who is currently Relations student at Hacettepe
studying English Language Teaching at University who reminds us that success
Middle East Technical University (METU). comes when you are brave enough to follow
Her story shows how setting clear goals and your heart. She graduated from Keçiören Science
staying patient lead to success. Ece graduated High School, where most students focused on STEM
from Muharrem Hasbi Anatolian High School in 2024, subjects. However, Sezin was always more interested in
and ranked highly in the national university entrance exam. Her journey the humanities and communication. She was an active member of the
began in Year 11 when she decided to focus on languages. To reach her Writing Club and took part in many debate competitions.
goal, she followed a disciplined study plan and consistently woke up
Her journey was not a straight line. When her first exam result did
early because she discovered her brain worked best in the morning.
not match her expectations, she decided to take a gap year. During
Her path was not always easy, and she sometimes felt overwhelmed. that year, she realised she was trying to be someone she wasn’t. She
However, she remained patient and focused on her progress. Speaking made the bold decision to change her field of study completely.
about her feelings with her family and friends helped her believe in With the support of her family, she stopped forcing herself to study
herself. Now at university, Ece is very active in social life. She plays for science and chased what she truly loved. This courage helped her
the METU table tennis team, practises ice skating, and helped organise earn a place at one of Türkiye’s best universities. Today, Sezin aims to
the prestigious Crystal Tree Award Ceremony. She has even joined build a career where she can represent her country and help solve
the Young Entrepreneurs Society to gain new experiences. Her advice global issues. Her message to high school students is that doing
to you is simple: discover what works for you, set a clear goal, and something without passion will end in failure. She proves that being
remember that it is never too late to start studying. honest about your own goals is the ultimate key to success.

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