  İrem Akkarpat (PSYC/III) is a successful female athlete who is studying at Bilkent University while at the same time playing basketball in the regional league. In this interview, she talks about the role of sports in her life.
How did you first get involved with sports? Tell us about your sports career since then.
I'm the daughter of a basketball player father. When I was a child, I first did gymnastics. Then, I got involved in basketball when I was 9 years old. While I was playing for TED College, we ended up winning gold, silver and bronze medals in the Turkish championships. In 2005, I was invited to join the U16 national women's basketball team. Unfortunately after that. I had to take a year off from sports due to injury.
What can you say about your education and future lifeplans?
I have chosen to study psychology. I remember that I considered studying in the United States, but later preferred to stay in Ankara. I intended study sports psychology, before realizing that it is too hard to take an active role in this branch inTurkey. Nevertheless, I can take it into consideration  in the future. At the moment, I would like to focusmy studies on children. I can easily say that I want to keep playing basketball for as long as possible. And I have an intense desire to be active in the sports community.
What are the difficulties of being a professionalathlete and how has sports contributed to your life?
Training is extremely exhausting. I would be so tired when I got home so late at night. On the other hand, I'm glad I got involved in basketball, because it teaches me fraternity and sports discipline.
I never thought to give up basketball, but I played with the idea of dropping out of school. (Laughter.) And honestly, I would not be watching women's basketball if I were not on the same track, because there is no sensational struggle.
BY FATİH ÇAKICIOĞLU (IE/II)
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