Asya Akçalı

Favourite quotation:

“If one day you will be helpless, do not expect a savior. Be the savior yourself.” – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

What inspired you to take on a leadership role in this chapter?

I am someone who lives with a strong focus on my future and is ready to overcome any obstacle to achieve my goals. I firmly believe that success comes from starting from scratch and working hard without complaints. If you aspire to reach a certain position in life, you must be willing to become whatever it takes until you get there. Whether you start as a cleaner or a waiter, perseverance will ultimately lead you to your desired destination. In the near future, I aspire to work in the ministry, and I believe that every experience, no matter the form, holds value. I enjoy communicating with people and helping them as much as possible so that both I and the fellow students can make the most of the opportunities available to us. My dedication to taking initiative and my confidence in my ability to connect with others have prepared me for this leadership role.

What are your most proud professional achievements so far?

For me, what truly matters is not the titles a person holds but the journey they take and the experiences they gain along the way. As soon as I started university, I began working as an assistant English teacher. Over time, I advanced in my position, and to this day, as I near the completion of my master’s degree, I continue to gain valuable experience in this field. To pursue my graduate education, I worked as a senior instructor at a company while also earning my TESOL certification, which allowed me to shift my career focus. While I may not yet have a trophy or an award to my name, I firmly believe that in the near future, I will succeed as a politician or a diplomat.

Looking ahead, what are some goals or milestones you hope to achieve in the next phase of your career?

The most important thing for me as I progress in my career is continuous learning. I may not always have my dream job, but I believe that excelling in any role I take on will provide invaluable experience and personal growth. If I become a diplomat, I hope to contribute to strengthening international relations, fostering mutual understanding between cultures, and representing my country in a way that promotes collaboration and diplomacy. Additionally, I want to work on policies that create meaningful change, particularly in areas related to foreign affairs and international cooperation.
Regardless of where my career takes me, I aim to remain adaptable, open to new opportunities, and committed to making a positive impact through my work.