Our alumna Çağla Çinkılınç (DŞ’21) has achieved an outstanding accomplishment at Özyeğin University, graduating as the valedictorian of the university, the faculty, and her department, and making us proud.
During Özyeğin University’s graduation ceremony on July 4, Çağla delivered a speech as the top student of the Faculty of Social Sciences, emphasizing the significant role of the opportunities provided to her and the people who have touched her life throughout her quality education journey that began at Darüşşafaka.
“This journey began at Darüşşafaka, where I graduated. A ten-year-old child who started boarding school could probably never have imagined that life would bring her to where she stands today. However, thanks to the educational opportunities offered to me and the support given by the people surrounding me, I am standing here before you today,” said Çağla. She also said that, alongside her academic studies during university, she completed various internships, worked at her university’s Office for Gender Equality, and conducted research at the research laboratory.
She further noted that she attained the opportunity to study abroad thanks to a scholarship she was granted. Referring to our mission of “Equal Opportunity in Education,” Çağla added: “Sometimes, the only thing that keeps someone from moving forward is a hand reaching out to them.” With these words, she emphasized how scholarships not only provide educational support, but also offer life-changing opportunities, and invited everyone to support young people’s education.
At the end of her speech, Çağla said that she would be guided by the words of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk throughout her life: “It is education that enables a nation to live as a free, independent, glorious, and advanced community, or leaves a nation to slavery and misery.” She thanked her family, faculty, friends, and everyone who supported her throughout her education.
We wholeheartedly congratulate Çağla, who continues to make us proud with her achievements, and wish her ever-growing success throughout her life.