Professor Meryem Sondan Durukanoğlu Feyiz shares life lessons with students in Of

Prof. Dr. Meryem Sondan Durukanoğlu Feyiz, former Rector of Kadir Has University and Vice President of the European Women Rectors Association, met with 9th and 10th-grade students in the Of district of Trabzon, Turkey.

As part of the “Understand Yourself with Exemplary People, Plan Your Future” project organized by the Of District Governor's Office and the Of Municipality, Feyiz shared her personal journey to inspire local youth. She recounted her academic struggles, including failing a grade in high school and taking a three-year hiatus from her studies.

Feyiz described a turning point when, following her father's ultimatum to work in the village if she did not study, she experienced the physical hardship of carrying a 45-kilogram tea basket up 165 steps. This experience motivated her to return to school, eventually completing high school alongside her younger sibling. She emphasized the importance of perseverance, passion, and overcoming the lack of guidance through personal determination.