Student Focus

When I first met Merve's smiling face, I knew she would be the type of student who would not stop working. Merve seems like the kind of girl who is serious about her work, but also knows how to relax when the time comes. She is fun to be around because she never says anything she doesn't mean, and she always means what she says. Introducing Merve!

Full Name: Merve Ekici

What does your name mean?: A little hill. My sister’s name is Mina and mine Merve – they are both like “little hill” but next to each other.

Place of Birth: In İstanbul at the Florence Nightingale Hospital.

Since when has your family been here?: My mother has always lived here. My dad lived in Bandırma when he was very small and then he came to İstanbul and has lived here in İstanbul much longer.

Age: 15 yrs.

Locations you lived: Always lived in İstanbul.

What hobbies do you have?: I play tennis. I have done lots of things, but I always get bored or leave it. I wish my mother was a little more strict about it because when I was little I rode ponies and horses. I loved it. I love horses. But then I said, “Mom I don’t want to go.” So my mother said, “okay.” So maybe now I would be a good horse rider if she hadn't said "okay." I played basketball. I stopped playing it too. I was the captain of the team. I played it very well and then I stopped playing basketball when I started working on doing well on the OKS. And now I have played tennis for the past 1.5 yrs. I ran too. I was first in İstanbul when I was little.

Where do you want to go to school: Because of my sister I am thinking I will go to the US too, but maybe I would prefer Europe. I haven’t decided yet. My mom doesn’t want us to go to the US because it is very far and she says she will miss us. I don’t know – I haven’t decided yet.

Brothers or sisters?: I have one sister – Mina. She is 18 yrs old and she wants to go to University in the States. She is at Notre Dame Desion. I was at a French school, but it wasn’t very good. If I went to the same school as my sıster I would not have come to Koç.

At 8pm at night you are: It depends on the day, but if it’s a school day I would be watching television or maybe studying.

Embarrassing moment: When I was in Elementary School I walked out of the toilet with my skirt tucked into my underwear. Luckily one of my friend’s told me about it and I went and fixed it.

Favorite movie: I cry a lot. I cry even during Finding Nemo. The movie that touched me the most and I cried a lot while watching is The Notebook.

Favorite Holiday: After school finished my friends and family all go to Bodrum and stay for one month because we have a summer home there. Sometimes I go to camps and things like that, so summer is my favorite holiday.

World’s worst problem: People.

Something people would be surprised to know about you: I am not a very surprising person. I don’t know.

Who is your hero?: My mom. She helps me very much and we can talk about everything and she is always there when I need her. We fight a lot, but....I don’t know, I just love my mom.

Biggest decision you are thinking about right now: I always think about how I will get through tomorrow. How will it be...how will I handle it...I am a very planned and organized person, so I can’t do anything without planning and organizing.

One word that describes you: Planned.

Reminder: Strike at the Birling Factory articles are due on Monday for both classes. No assignments will be accepted late!

Also - I need more students! I need at least 9 more students to interview in order to cover the Fridays I will be gone for. Please leave your comment in the comment box if you would like to be interviewed next week! I can't wait to speak with all of you!