Enthusiastic Turkish mother embarks on PhD journey, boasting impressive collection of 13 university credentials
Melda Sarıtaş Esen, a 53-year-old mother of one, has achieved an extraordinary academic feat despite facing challenges due to a headscarf ban in Turkey during the Feb. 28 process. Despite being unable to attend her graduation ceremony in person from Yıldız Technical University's Electronics and Communication Engineering department, Esen's determination to continue her education remained unwavering.
Esen started her studies at Yıldız Technical University in 1989, choosing an unconventional path for a female student at the time. The headscarf ban added to the challenges she faced, but it only fueled her resolve to pursue her studies further. Due to the ban, she was unable to receive her diploma in person, and her older brother had to collect it on her behalf.
Esen's academic journey is nothing short of impressive. She has completed 13 university degrees in total, with 11 earned through open education and two through formal education. Her fields of study range from Public Administration and Child Development to Health Care Management and Cultural Heritage and Tourism. Most recently, she graduated as the top student from Yoldova University's New Media and Communication department.
Esen's dedication to her studies is evident in her meticulous note-taking and her willingness to share these notes with her classmates. She rarely missed class, and even when she did, it was only once. Currently, she is working on her master's thesis in New Media and Communication, with plans to pursue a doctorate in communication if conditions allow.
Despite the challenges, Esen easily bonded with her classmates, often being the oldest in her department. She and her 17-year-old daughter sometimes experienced stress when their exams coincided, but this did not deter Esen from her academic goals.
Esen's story is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that obstacles can be overcome with determination and a strong will to succeed.
- Melda Sarıtaş Esen's pursuit of education extends beyond traditional boundaries, with her focus on various fields such as education-and-self-development, personal-growth, and online-learning, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning and improvement.
- Besides her academic achievements in fields like Public Administration, Child Development, Health Care Management, and Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Esen has been highly active in the realm of arts, fostering her creativity and broadening her intellectual horizons.
- Esen's dedication to sports and physical well-being is equally commendable, understanding that a healthy body fosters a healthy mind, allowing her to maintain a balanced outlook in her academic journey.
- By sharing her extensive notes with her classmates, Esen not only contributes to the collaborative spirit of learning but also exemplifies that education is a reciprocal process, benefiting not only herself but also her fellow students.
