Sezgi Canarslan

Student at Boğaziçi University Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics

I was born in 1993 in Eskişehir but I spent my primary and high school years in Konya and Ankara. I am currently a senior at Boğaziçi University Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, which was always my dream.

How were you first introduced to Vehbi Koç Foundation, and what was your connection?
I first met Vehbi Koç Foundation through the financial aid office in my school. They directed me to the Foundation, and I was invited for an interview. Later I got the goods news, and for the last two years I am studying at the university as a Vehbi Koç Foundation scholar.

What are your future plans and goals?  
Due to the nature of my studies I want to improve myself in other fields, and therefore I am planning to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. degree after graduation. I believe there are more international opportunities, and for this reason I would like to continue my graduate studies abroad, if possible. I will then decide on the field that I would like to concentrate on, either in private sector or academia. Since I am a senior, I want to make full use of my remaining time at school, and gain some practical experience through an internship; these are my short-term goals.

What is VKV’s place in your life?
The financial aid I was granted by Vehbi Koç Foundation provided a great opportunity for me. I applied to the Erasmus program without having to worry about finances, and last year continued part of my education in the UK for five months. It gave me the confidence to live in another country, and the financial support to cover my needs. In this respect, VKV’s place in my life is significant.

September 2015