 A
visual impairment is a challenge, but does not have to be a barrier. A Bilkent University
student majoring in American Literature, Emine Tunç is a volunteer with the Görme
Engelliler Eğitim Projesi (GÖREP). The project, developed in 2004, brought together
a group of volunteers who were interested in helping those with visual impairments. Tunç
was introduced to an enthusiastic student, Muharrem Öcal. Tunç and the other volunteers
worked with him, saw his potential, and are proud to see that he has been accepted to the
Department of Psychology here at Bilkent University.
I had a chance to ask Tunç some questions about her experiences, and found her responses
to be very inspiring:
Bilkent News: What motivated you to join GÖREP?
Tunç: Bilkent University conducts many
Social Awareness Projects, and the one that appealed to me the most was GÖREP. I became
excited about this project because it involved not only teaching, but also helping
visually impaired students.
Bilkent News: How long have you been with the
project?
Tunç: This is my fourth year. Once I got myself into this, I knew it was
something for me. I could see the students' hunger for affection and assistance.
Therefore, in 3 years, we have established not only student-teacher relations, but also
long-lasting friendships.
Bilkent News: How were you able to assist Muharrem
Öcal?
Tunç: When I started as a volunteer,
Muharrem Öcal was in his first year of high school. My fellow volunteers and I offered to
help him and other students prepare for the university entrance exam (ÖSS).
First, we covered all of the subjects, and then tested them on what they had learned. It
was all done orally. Muharrem was such an enthusiastic student that every volunteer
strongly believed he would get into a highly ranked university.
Bilkent News: How does it make you feel to see that
Muharrem Öcal has been accepted at Bilkent University?
Tunç: It makes me feel exceptionally joyful
and proud, for he proved that our efforts paid off. When I first saw him on the Bilkent
campus, I was so touched and thought to myself, "Thank goodness I am a part of this
project."
Bilkent News: How can other students join this
project?
Tunç: We have already started this year
with new volunteers, but it is never too late for those who would like to join. Anyone
interested can email me at etunc@ug.bilkent.edu.tr.
Students can also learn more at the official Toplumsal Duyarlılık Projeleri /
Community Projects website at http://tdp.bilkent.edu.tr/
Bilkent News: Is there anything else you would like
people out there to know?
Tunç: Anyone who wants to see the realities
of life and experience the spiritual satisfaction of helping is more than welcome to join
the project.
Of course, taking part in this volunteer experience is a lot of work, but it could be the
most rewarding of your life. The GÖREP project helps students with visual impairment get
the education that they deserve, but may not otherwise have access to. Not all schools
have the ability to facilitate those with challenges. Anyone who is interested is
encouraged to become involved. There is a very special feeling that one gets from
fostering knowledge and helping someone achieve their dreams!
İrem Esen (ECON/II)
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