Growing up, I was always preoccupied with imagining myself as an adult. I kept pondering over many possible scenarios in which I would use my potentials to the highest extent and make an observable change for the better both for myself, and for the future generations. While I dabbled in many different fields, what I found the most rewarding and inspiring was working with children.  And all of a sudden, I realized that it is indeed true when they say that you can learn the best by observing a child, who takes its first wobbly steps with such strength and devotion, which isn’t taken down even when numerous obstacles stand in the way of achieving their goals. The child preserves, works towards improving their steps, and soon enough there is at least one responsible adult running to catch the miniature being.

Given that I am finishing up my studies in Psychology, my profession took me on the road of trying to encompass as much of human behavior as possible, alongside with and my emotional side, which, I have to be honest, usually takes the best of me, has lead me to initiate positive changes both in my private and professional surroundings. Topics I am very interested in are inclusion, diversity and children’s rights, all encompassed under the umbrella of peace, love and mutual understanding. Knowing that each of the terms are taken universally and irrevocably, we as young peacebuilders and future educators must ensure that they remain present, universal and available for each and every child, no matter where their location, background and all other aspects no one of us could choose.

One of my nicknames is “kelebek”, which is Turkish for butterfly. And that is exactly how I now see myself, and is a roll that I have taken upon myself in the recent years. I believe all of us are capable of starting the ever-so-known butterfly effect, and that all of we need to kickstart our journey is a likeminded community, which will help us to pick and dust ourselves up when facing obstacles. I have already found myself a hive of positively energized and free-spirited inspirational people, which I now consider my extended activist family. And with them, my dear UNFPA colleagues, I am ready to start our journey of empowerment, inspiration and creation of positive future for all!