Having being born in an underdeveloped area of a culture-rich country was both challenging and cherishing in their respective ways. Despite having limited resources I never give up on my passion for traveling and exploring the unknown. There were many impediments in my personal, professional, and academic life, but nothing could clip my wings to fly. Besides determination and persistence, my parents are the main pillars that took me up.
I took admitted to UAAR choosing Biochemistry as a major course. I have always enjoyed studying life sciences. The vastness of this field tempted my interest and I love what I am doing. My interest in exploring the cultural heritage and the traditional legacy of different regions dates back to my years in high school. Being a struggling writer, I have a keen interest to travel, observe, experience, and explaining, different perspectives of culture, history, and tradition.
I want to be a Biochemist by profession and traveler by passion, and both are interlinked as bio-cultural anthropology which is an exponentially growing faculty now a day. It is a deliberate attempt to understand how culture affects our biological capacities and limitations. Culture is the most dynamic and vibrant force and I have my own narrative that cultural fusion is not an option but mandatory in the contemporary world as we are living in a world where collaboration and cooperation are the most required prerequisites.
I want to be a part of this six-week exchange program because it will lead to expand my experience and give me a chance to get massive international exposure. I can closely observe and experience the historically rich and opulent culture of Turkey. I have craving for Anatolia, well known as Asia Minor, the land of Taurus, Anti-Taurus, Pontic, and Sultan. The majestic building of Anitkabir spells casting a view of Ankara from the citadel, marvelous city streets of the old quarter, the spiritual elegance of Kocatepe Mosque, and much more. I had read about these in books, and pamphlets watched documentaries, and get information from different sources.
Visiting Istanbul’s decorative and splendid mosques and palaces could keep history buffs and culture hounds busy for weeks. Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Süleymaniye Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum, Grand Bazaar, Taksim Square, Ortaköy, Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Istanbul Modern, and other worth seeing places are unique and matchless. I am passionate to wander and being lost in the environs of this historic city, which has passed a long journey from Constantinople to Istanbul.
One of the most captivating things about traveling is the fact that every day is different from the other, every place is new. Making new friends, meeting strangers, and making memories are all about traveling. In a nutshell travel for me is the healthiest addiction.
Getting together with 700 students belonging to 57 countries is simply just like having a brief and shortest meeting with 57 countries. I am very curious to know people across the globe, and I am sure it will be a great and memorable event to exchange views, explore the variety and complexity of cultures, and groom our interpersonal and leadership skills. As a debater and orator since my school time, I am obsessive to sharpen my communication skills and listen to understand not just to respond but rather to comprehend.
I never wanted to lose any opportunity that brings me closer to my passion, as there is a proverb “Opportunity seldom knocks twice”. I will be honored if I get selected for this cultural exchange program and cast an impact by putting my efforts and skills as much as I can. I strongly believe in never giving up and trying again and again, as Criss Jami says “The harder you fall, the heavier your heart; the heavier your heart, the stronger you climb; the stronger you climb, the higher your pedestal.”
