Turning Point

My decision of pursing in academic career in physics dates back to when I was in high school. Since that time, I have been very interested in studying physics so I chose to attend an undergraduate program in physics. I was very influenced by some famous physicists and some of my professors who had gotten their study abroad in the department. With this motivation, I graduated as the top student from the Physics Department.

Although I wanted to continue my master degree in a foreign country, one of my professors offered me a position in their research project in Turkey. I accepted his offer because I wanted to improve myself a lot before I left my country. I graduated as the first students from my master program. In the last quarter of my master program, I applied to Fulbright Scholarship that U.S. government provides. Firstly, I thought that I did not have a chance because there were over than one thousand successful Turkish students were applying also. However, I passed first elimination, and they invited me to an interview in the capital city of Turkey, Ankara. The interview took only fifteen minutes, and it was in English. As you can imagine, I was so excited and it was also difficult to explain my future plans in English at that time. Nonetheless, I explained pretty well how I want to contribute to my country after my U.S. education. After two weeks, they announced the Fulbrighters and I was surprised. I was so happy because they chose only sixty students from over than one thousand and I was one of them. I was chosen to do finish my Ph.D. (Doctorate of Philosophy) in physics.

Two months later after the first announcement, I was awarded with another scholarship. My first scholarship’s plan was to come here in September just before my Ph.D. However, they offered me to come here in January and take Intensive English classes for eight months to improve my English and to get used to live in a different country. I accepted their offer because to gain another scholarship form them was honor for me, so I left my job, my school, and my country. It was not easy and it was a real turning point in my life.

Two years ago, if someone said ‘you will live in California’, I would just laugh, but I am here now and more closely to my future aims. All in all, I learnt at least one thing that there is nothing in the life that you can say it never happens.

GONCA