Elif Yuva: "I'm so glad I'm a part of Sabancı University!"

Elif Yuva: "I'm so glad I'm a part of Sabancı University!"

Elif Yuva is proud to be a part of Sabancı University. Our student, who sees our university's 25-year history as a success story, shared her feelings and future expectations with us.

Could you introduce yourself? Which faculty/program are you studying in?
Hello, I'm Elif. I'm currently a first-year student in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. When I first started, I considered studying Computer Engineering, but after taking freshman year courses, I realized Computer Engineering wasn't a good fit and decided to choose Industrial Engineering.

Are you involved in any clubs or sports teams? 

Up until now, I've been on the volleyball team and participated in matches with my team on behalf of the university. In addition to sports, I've also prioritized being active socially. Thanks to our university's active club environment, I've benefited from many of them. I'm currently a member of the Sponsorship Board of the Economics and Business Club.

What would you say about the things that distinguish Sabancı University from other universities? Its "freedom to choose a program," its "liberal approach," its "interdisciplinary approach," and the "Civic Involvement Projects" course, which is a required course in your first year? What made a difference for you?

When I heard about Sabancı University's freedom to choose a program, I never even considered going to another university. Discovering myself later and being free to make choices was an incredible opportunity for me. The Civic Involvement Project course I took early in my studies wasn't actually a course. My project was to teach primary school children how to ride a bike. Seeing the excitement in those young children's eyes showed me what it felt like not only to teach, but also to give them hope. Seeing their happiness and excitement touched my heart, and I was so happy to be able to benefit them.

What are your thoughts on the research opportunities offered at Sabancı University?

Sabancı University offers unlimited research opportunities. It's easy to access information in any field you want through the Information Center, whether on campus or from home. We can easily access any resource we need through the Information Center. We are very fortunate to be at such a university.

Given the unique education and skills you've received from our university, what are your plans for after graduation? What are your dreams for contributing to both the business world and society?

During my years at Sabancı University, I not only acquired academic knowledge but also learned analytical thinking, problem-solving by combining different disciplines, and leadership in teamwork. My goal after university is to use this knowledge to take an active role in innovative and sustainable projects in the business world. I want to produce people-centered, technology-integrated projects and create value in every field I work in.

In terms of contributing to society, I dream of dedicating time to social responsibility projects beyond focusing solely on individual success. I particularly want to make a difference in areas such as educational equality, environmental awareness, and youth empowerment. My dream is to chart a career path that is both successful in the business world and focused on social benefit.

How would you describe the progress Sabancı University has made in 25 years, based on what you've observed and learned?

In my eyes, Sabancı University has not only become an educational institution over the past 25 years; it has also become an ecosystem that cultivates visionary individuals. Here, I grew up with an educational model that transcends boundaries: I learned to think multidimensionally, not only in my own field but also by drawing from diverse disciplines. With the value placed on research, its free-thinking environment, and international collaborations, Sabancı University has become a renowned university both in Turkey and globally. I am deeply proud to be a part of this vision. I wholeheartedly believe that the great leaps my university has made in its first 25 years will be crowned with even greater success in the future.

Our university is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Could we get your 25th-anniversary message?

Today, we celebrate a 25-year success story. However, I know that the true impact of Sabancı University will grow even greater in the years to come. In the light of science, freedom, and innovation, we will achieve even greater success. The future will be written here. I'm so glad I'm a part of Sabancı University!

What are your dreams and predictions for our university for the next 25 years?

Sabancı University has been much more than a university for me; it has offered a vision, a way of life. In the next 25 years, I envision my university reaching even more people, bringing the light of free thought, science, and creativity to a wider audience. I believe that Sabancı University will continue to be a place of leadership and hope in the future. I am confident that Sabancı graduates will be leading change projects around the world, each carrying the inspiration they received from this institution to new generations.