Hello, dear TED lovers!
Those who stood by us on April 8, 2017 know that putting on an event like this is a labor of love. It takes hard work, time, and even giving a part of yourself! We volunteers achieve such great results because we believe in what we do. But of course, we don't do it all on our own. We always mention that we have supporters, and that when it comes to TEDxBahcesehirUniversity they do everything they can and more. They are very precious to us, and this event was much more successful thanks to them. Today we interviewed one of those supporters: both so that you can get to know her better, and to understand how important they are to us and what they bring to us/you...
You know everyone on the team; we have even become like a family with you. But some of our followers might not know you. We have always told our followers about your support and about you, but some may have missed it. So could you tell us a bit about yourself, your work and your life?
- I am 38. I have been working at Bahçeşehir University for 10 years, 9 of them on the CO-OP team. Whatever my job is, touching a life is what nourishes me most in this life. I'm happy that I can do that in my current job too; touching young people's lives truly nourishes me. Because TEDx also touches many lives, and because every talk inevitably lights a spark in someone's life, being by this team's side with endless support makes me happy. Whenever I can make time, I swim, go walking, play squash now and then, do yoga regularly, and spend time in the kitchen purely for pleasure; I love cooking things, I adore nature, plants and animals (especially fish, seagulls and cats), and I make an effort to turn inward through meditation and breathing exercises. I have a blog called "damaktakitatlar" that I keep as a hobby, where I write about things that leave a taste on my palate. I really love writing. I'm married. I love the sea. I love music, especially jazz. There is usually music in the background of my daily life. I love theatre. I try to see the season's plays as much as I can. I love the TEDxBahcesehirUniversity team very much and I trust them completely. Wishing that you stay with love and passion, and always create with love...:)
When did you start working with/supporting TEDxBahcesehirUniversity?
- I joined the TEDxBahcesehirUniversity team as an Advisory Board Member in September 2016.
What do you think has changed in the team and the event since then?
- This team, starting with our curator Batuhan and every single one of its members, already has a very high sense of responsibility. Within 1 year the team's sense of responsibility has risen even higher. Their approaches have become much more careful. Last year's event was very successful despite the size of the venue and how hard it was to manage. This year it will be in the same venue again, but I'm sure it will be much more crowded and run much more systematically. The interviews to form the team were conducted with great care; in my view the selection process was much more demanding and systematic than last year.
We know you liked them all, but still, what is your favorite TEDxBahcesehirUniversity talk?
- My favorite -maybe because he was my own suggestion, I don't know :)- is definitely Emre Başkan.
What would you like to say to new members of the team? What is your advice?
- I think joining this team is a very good choice not only for your student years but for your whole life. Just think: you contribute to the moments when a spark is created, or will be created, in someone's life. I think that's wonderful. Catching the team spirit nourishes you enormously, and believe me, this feeling will help you throughout your life. I'd say don't see this as just a student event; see it and embrace it as your own job for this year. You will get tired, and I know balancing it with your classes will be hard at times, but believe me you will enjoy it a lot, and wonderful moments will pile up in your bag...
Even though it's a bit early, what are your thoughts on this year's event?
- The team selections are done and a wonderful team has formed, again with extremely serious care. Next up are the speaker selections and deciding on the speakers. I fully believe that we gained a great deal from last year's big organization experience, and that these gains will have a positive effect on this year.
Finally, is there anything you'd like to say to our followers?
- This work is done wholeheartedly and with a lot of effort... So I'd like to say to our followers, "please give the event the value it deserves" :)
What do you think makes an organization good?
- The team's spirit of unity. Sticking to the schedule. Flawless use of technical equipment. Friendly faces. Acknowledging everyone who contributed. A humanist and positive approach no matter what.
Could you share a memory related to the event with us?
- When I met Emre Başkan and listened to his story, I could picture the moment of his talk at TEDx, so I suggested him as a speaker. When he was accepted, and the moment he walked on stage on the day of the event, my feelings were truly wonderful :) I attended Nazlı Çelik's rehearsal; both the team and Ms. Nazlı took that rehearsal so seriously that I felt like we were in the middle of the event, and that moment never leaves my mind. Also, I couldn't attend the gala night because I was unwell, and I was very, very sad not to be with the team...
This is volunteer-based work, and people might be wondering: what is the feeling that ties you to this organization and makes you feel you belong to the team?
- I have loved this team from the very beginning. I think what ties me to them is my belief in them. They shine, they are incredibly hardworking, and that affects me a great deal. So I want to give them all the support I can 😃
Considering every stage of the organization, what do you think was the most challenging/hardest thing to overcome?
- In my view, the most challenging process is forming the team. I think there's nothing a team with full faith in one another and strong bonds can't do. Everything else is detail. Maybe for the next stage I'd say managing the speaker and sponsorship negotiations properly.
Until another interview another time, stay TED... 👋 👋 👋
