When I Am Gulsen Ozer

I am Gulsen Ozer, and I have faced profound, influential challenges to overcome as they allowed me to learn what I have learned. By 2016, the world had turned upside down for my family. The Turkish government cracked down on the Gu?len movement, and my father, Hamza, is very much involved in the movement; schools and organizations he is involved in were shut down by the Turkish government, leaving many of his friends imprisoned. My father, fearing for his life, fled Turkey, leaving my mother, siblings, and me behind. Eventually, we sought refuge in the United States with him, but it was dreadful. It was overwhelming growing up at this time. As a little girl, it didn't make sense why my father had to go somewhere, and I was scared of what would
These events gave me a sense of purpose, which I took and carried back with me during my difficult times, and I recognized that service to others could be a strength. Volunteering was the beginning of my absolute commitment to a great deal of community work. I have found my reason, and my learnings have come from helping others, which I watched my parents do out of charity. In failing as a family, I learned that life isn't predictable and isn't fair, but how we respond makes us a unique personality. This lesson has been applied to everything from mentoring middle school girls to cultural exchange programs to helping teachers at my school. The only experiences I've been able to put on a resume and in my past that have helped lend to giving back to my community are empathy, leadership, and a commitment to service along the way. My family's journey has inspired my future aspirations. The injustices we've suffered have led me to pursue a law and human rights career. I want to be an advocate for people who have been silenced and an activist for a more just world. The hard path to safety in the U.S. taught me how to appreciate the opportunities I now have. Those experiences have built a level of resilience in me that will follow me wherever life takes me next. If life gives me the same situation in the future, I shall rise like the Phoenix