Ruth Lale Wiederecht
American University School of International Service
Ruth plans to study International Relations and Turkish at the American University School of International Service. She was the vice president of her school’s Model United Nations/ Model Congress club and raised over $10,000 for the Habitat Project, traveling to New Orleans to work as a Youth Group Leader for the organization. Ruth was a recipient of the Needham, MA High School Leadership Award and the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Award in photography. She was a member of her high school’s Spanish Honor Society, and has received academic scholarships from Nehoiden Lodge and the Peter Elorante Scholarship Award twice over.
Ayse Gizem Orbey
Gizem, a rising sophomore at Columbia University, is a candidate for a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Political Science. She intends to pursue a career in public health policy or journalism, and spent a year volunteering as a civic servant with City Year Boston, an Americorps program, before matriculating to college. She is also an Associate Editor for the Columbia Daily Spectator. Gizem is a Dean's List student at Columbia and was offered the Eugene B. DuPont Scholarship for her academic achievement. One of her paintings received Honorable Mention at the third annual Art with A Social Conscience Exhibit sponsored by the Art Association of New England Preparatory Schools.
(TCA Scholars at Work:"Shaking the Invisible Hands" interview by Ayse Gizem Orbey)
Tugce Menguc
Georgetown University
Tugce is studying International Politics with an emphasis on foreign affairs and intends to pursue a career in diplomacy or international business. She has worked at the Prince Alwaled Center for Muslim Christian Understanding and interned with Mayor Theresa Isaac of Lexington, Kentucky. Tugce was featured in the publication Who’s Who Among American High School Students and was also chosen as the commencement speaker at her high school graduation. She serves on the Special Events committee at Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service Academic Council.
Neslihan Emre Erten
University of Kansas;
Study Abroad Program, Bogazici University
Neslihan is studying Political Science with an emphasis in Conflict Resolution. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Communication Studies. Neslihan has been active in various Turkish American community organizations to help promote cultural diversity. She also takes part in a number of organizations such as TCO, AIESEC, & International Student Association.
Neslihan has received numerous awards for her leadership capabilities. Organizations such as Blueprints Planning Committee, International Students Association, and AIESEC awarded her excellence in leadership. She was a National Merit Scholar and was a recipient of the Academic Achievement Award for three consecutive years.
Yaprak Erel
The University of Georgia;
Study Abroad Program, Bogazici University
Yaprak is currently studying journalism and communications and intends to pursue a graduate degree in Marketing. She is actively involved in the Advertisement Club at the University of Georgia, and in her spare time she helps organize events for the Turkish American Cultural Association of Georgia. Yaprak made the 2006 Dean's List at the University of Georgia and is also a recipient of the HOPE Scholarship. She has also received recognition from UGA's Foreign Language department for her excellence in her study of the French language.
Esin Efe
Tulane University
Esin, a senior in high school, plans to attend law school after completing her undergraduate degree and eventually wants to work for an international organization or company. She has been an active participant in her school’s Model United Nations club and also sings for the Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) Children’s choir, in programs broadcast internationally.
Esin has received various scholarships for academic merit, including a substantial scholarship from Tulane as well as a Pell Grant and a Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant. She has also been certified by the TRT and several international Model United Nations conferences.
Inci Atrek
Wellesley College
Inci, a rising sophomore at Wellesley College, currently studies English and French with the intent of pursuing a graduate degree in Journalism. She is the Assistant News Editor at the Wellesley News and has volunteered as a teaching assistant for children learning to strengthen and develop their Turkish vocabulary. Inci has received numerous awards, including the Excellence in Reporting award by the Mosaic San Jose Urban Journalism Workshop, and Honorable Mention in editorial writing and news printing by the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.
Aylin Keli Arslancan
The University of California, Los Angeles
Aylin, a high school senior, plans to study art history and history with a minor in Turkish studies at UCLA next fall. She swims competitively and was an active member of her high school's Speech and Debate team. Aylin was the valedictorian of her graduating class as well as a recipient of the 2006 Harvard Book Prize. She is a National Honor Roll student and was named the 2007 Swimmer of the Year by her high school varsity team.
