Eesti
1. Introduce yourself in 3-5 sentences in as much detail as possible.
Hey, I’m Emir, a 20-year-old with big dreams and full of curiosity. I was born in Turkey and lived there until I was 18 and then decided to start a new chapter in my life and moved to my mom’s country – Finland. I can’t say I was the smartest at school but my ambition and attractiveness of the obscurity were the biggest drives for me to follow my dreams. A month ago I decided to leave the comfort zone that I had created in the last two years and pack for a new challenge which was to study and live in Lancaster, United Kingdom.
2. Tell us three facts about you that people won’t be able to guess when they first meet you.
- I’ve been working since I was eight years old.
- I’ve competed in seven different sports branches.
- I know I don’t really look like it but I’m half Turkish.
3. Why did you choose to study at EBS Helsinki? What is the difference between EBS Helsinki and other Finnish (private) universities?
First of all, studying in Finland was one of my life goals broadly because I always wanted to experience the Finnish way of living and create some value for my country. But 5 days of school in a week with a formal structure does not reflect my soul and that was the biggest reason for me to choose EBS Helsinki. EBS Helsinki offered me a great environment, as I could concentrate my work whilst I was getting motivated at school by studying with ambitious people.
4. EBS is offering countless opportunities to study abroad and at the moment you’re actually doing a double degree in Lancaster! What made you decide to study abroad and what are your first impressions? What are your goals for this year?
Even before I started studying at EBS, I set a goal for myself to continue my studies at Lancaster University by the double degree program because standing out with a different thing and achieving my goals are a part of my mindset. Although it was not easy to obtain required GPA and I had to push so hard, the feeling of success at the end was worth all the struggles I have been through. I have to say that “the campus life” over here is quite vibrant, the level of internationality motivates you and both social and work opportunities provided by Lancaster University are amazing. My biggest goal for this year is to regain my financial independence by starting a business while being successful in academic terms.
5. Tell us about your usual day in Lancaster, from morning to night.
I try to wake up as early as I can to spend my time more efficiently. Usually, I have 9 AM lectures which is the earliest a lecture can be, that’s why I do not have a proper breakfast. Between my lectures, I have a lunch with my friends but after a while, those lunches turn into a debate arena, which is quite good for all of us to see other perspectives and ideas. Depending on when my lectures finish, I either participate in the events of the societies I have joined, go to the gym or train with the football team of my college. I try not to spend time in my room to beat homesickness so when I’m done with everything I either go to the library with my friends to continue our discussions or we have a dinner together. Before I go to bed we usually go to different college bars to chill or make small visits to town.
6. What has been your most interesting hobby? Tell us a bit more about this.
My most interesting hobby is mechanical watches. It might seem super boring for most of the people out there but once you get deep into it, you start to understand the complexity of timekeeping and unique designs which lasts for decades. In addition, the knowledge I learned time by time by researching and listening to professionals helped me in my professional work life to authenticate watches by myself.
7. What is the food that you can never say no to? Why this one?
Nothing but a kebab. Beyond its amazing taste, it can be found in either super luxurious restaurants or a fast food corner store which makes it unique and so interesting for me.
8. What is your biggest accomplishment? Why this specifically?
My biggest accomplishment so far was the first “good” money I made by selling clothes. The feeling of creating a value by myself and the feeling of freedom I felt was amazing. Even today when I think back about that day it motivates me so much.
9. If you could be the president of the universe, what would you do and why?
I would resign on the first day because I would never be the same after controlling such power. As a British politician Lord Acton said: “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
10. Your favourite quote and why this one?
My favorite quote is “A person who has never been a worker can never be a boss.” by my father who is also my first and the biggest source of inspiration. You cannot lead your teammates if you have never been in their position or emphasize the situations they are facing.
Editor: Kärt Mättikas
Translater: Triin Tikk
Photo: Emir Bakistabli
