My name is Aybike. I am 28 and a passionate and driven individual with a strong academic foundation and diverse professional experiences. I was born and raised in Turkey, a country that has experienced significant political and economic challenges in recent years, such as high inflation rates and political policies that sometimes challenge the rule of law. These circumstances have fuelled my interest in global politics and economics, which I pursued academically at Bilkent University, where I gained a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of international relations and global economics. The university provided me with an intellectually challenging environment that deepened my knowledge and helped me develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Studying International Relations at Bilkent University was particularly relevant given the political and economic context of Turkey. The academic curriculum gave me a broad perspective on global issues, while courses like Political Economy of International Relations, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics for social sciences sharpened my understanding of economic concepts. These courses not only expanded my interest in economics but also motivated me to contribute to global economic discussions. My education has allowed me to critically examine development issues and think about sustainable development in both theoretical and practical terms.

As part of my academic journey, I took part in extracurricular activities, including the Political Thought Club and social responsibility projects. These experiences helped me develop essential skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving while reinforcing my passion for making a positive impact in society. Beyond the classroom, I sought opportunities to apply my academic knowledge to real-world contexts, including an internship at the Turkish Embassy in Poland, where I was involved in initiatives designed to strengthen Turkey-Poland relations in both social and economic spheres.

Before travelling to Spain, I obtained my yoga certification from the International Yoga Alliance. Yoga has since become an integral part of my life, not just as a practice but as a philosophy that shapes my approach to daily living. It has taught me to embrace balance, mindfulness, and resilience, which I apply in both my professional and personal life. The principles of yoga, such as respect for oneself and others, finding inner peace, and maintaining mental clarity, resonate deeply with me. These values not only enhance my physical well-being but also guide my approach to challenges, making me a more centred and empathetic individual.

After my studies, I volunteered for one year in Spain as part of the European Solidarity Corps for Youth (ESC4Y) project. As a yoga teacher, I taught yoga and English to young people and children while also raising awareness on environmental issues, human rights, and European values. This volunteering experience allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of social responsibility and reinforced my belief in the importance of fostering positive change in the world. It also helped me further hone my interpersonal skills, as I worked closely with diverse groups of people from different cultural backgrounds.

Following my volunteer experience, I worked as a freelance writer, producing content for a variety of platforms. My writing journey has allowed me to hone my ability to distil complex ideas into clear, engaging prose, whether I am crafting articles on politics, economics, or personal development. I have contributed to notable publications, demonstrating my versatility and commitment to excellence in writing.

In addition to my writing career, I spent a year as a regional sales manager at Setcard, where I further developed my skills in sales strategy, operations, and customer relationship management. I played a key role in market analysis and optimising sales processes. I developed innovative strategies to exceed regional sales targets, expanded our customer portfolio, and established long-term relationships with clients. This experience also broadened my understanding of business development and analysis, encouraging me to think strategically and take a data-driven approach to decision-making.

Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experiences that have shaped both my professional and personal growth. My academic background in international relations and economics, coupled with my hands-on experiences in diplomacy, social responsibility, and business, has equipped me with a unique skill set. I am passionate about contributing to global economic discussions and making a meaningful impact in both the business and social spheres.

As I look forward to the next chapter of my career, I am excited about the opportunities that will allow me to further develop my knowledge and skills. I am committed to continuing my personal and professional growth and to contributing to the global community in a meaningful way.