Merhabalar Arkadaşlarım! (Hello, My Friends!)

Yes, I’m still alive! 🙌 I know, I know… it’s been FOUR WHOLE MONTHS since my last post, and for that, I owe you all a massive apology and explanation. If you’ve been wondering whether I got lost in the labyrinth of Middle East Technical University’s campus or perhaps was kidnapped by a gang of Ankara’s street cats (who, let’s be honest, are too well-fed to bother), fear not! The truth is that I was in hibernation mode. Because I needed it.

The Winter Blues Hit Differently Here

There’s something about short days and long nights that just feels different when you’re far from home. The seasonal sadness crept in around mid-January, and suddenly, my usual urge to document every fascinating cultural observation was replaced by an urge to wrap myself in blankets like a human burrito, snuggle with Stormy and/or Smokey, and binge-watch Turkish soap operas (which, by the way, are DRAMATIC in ways American TV can’t touch).

At first, I tried to fight it—armed with to-do lists, motivational podcasts, and the occasional attempt at productivity (which usually ended with me experimenting with a new vegan dish that somehow required every pot and pan I own). But then I realized maybe winter isn’t something to battle; maybe it’s just a season to soften into. I started embracing slower mornings, longer stretches of quiet, and the kind of introspection that only comes when you’re cocooned in fuzzy socks and drinking coffee like it’s a competitive sport. Sometimes, feeling a little off-kilter is just part of recalibrating in a new place.

The Academic Recovery Tour

Remember that class I mentioned failing my first semester? The one that had me questioning whether my brain cells had gone on permanent vacation? Well, I retook it. I was relieved to find that a different professor had been assigned (although to be honest, the professor the first time around was my favorite), and the class was only for the graduate students. The relief was short-lived, however, as the new professor was just as challenging. In addition, the latest crop of MBA students was intelligent and inspiring, and everything seemed to come so easily to them. I was a mess of insecurity and anxiety for most of the semester. 

But here’s the thing about failure – it strips away your ego in the most necessary way. The second time around, I approached the material differently. Instead of trying to memorize everything, I focused on understanding concepts. Instead of hiding my confusion, I became that annoying student with my hand permanently raised. There was no way I would fail this class a second time. Or so I told myself.

Following the final exam and submission of the final paper, I had to wait two whole weeks to learn the results. It was an incredibly stressful period for me, as I’d never failed anything school-related in my life prior to this class. When the notification finally appeared in my student portal, I actually screamed loud enough for my neighbor to check if I was okay. The victory of passing that class felt sweeter than finding the perfect avocado in a Turkish market (a rare treasure, trust me). Middle East Technical University has incredibly high academic standards, and the satisfaction of conquering a challenging course the second time around was a thrilling accomplishment for me. 

New Ventures: Thesis and Business Dreams

So what else has kept me from sharing my expat adventures with you all? Two major projects have consumed me.

First, my thesis journey has officially begun! I have found a brilliant advisor, whom I am so excited to work with. I have chosen a topic I am passionate about relating to the experience of vegans here in Türkiye. I have read tons of articles for the literature review (with just as many left to read). And I will spend the month of May conducting interviews with study participants for data collection. It’s a lot. But I’m feeling good about this journey and am excited about the thesis writing process. 

Secondly – and this is where I’m both excited and terrified – I’m laying the groundwork for an online business! While I’m not ready to reveal all the details (partly because I’m still figuring them out myself), it will connect my passion for mindfulness and self-care with my passion for helping others. 

Between thesis research and business planning, my brain feels like it’s running a constant marathon. Some nights I find myself dreaming about interview questions and waking up to scribble notes about website design. But despite the overwhelm, there’s something incredibly energizing about pursuing projects that blend my academic interests, cultural experiences, and personal passions. 

What’s next?

I promise not to disappear for another four months! In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing:

• A look into some special holidays and celebrations in Türkiye
• 15 Turkish expressions that changed my perspective
• An exploration of a culture that takes excellent care of its street animals
• The history behind the word ‘Hocam’ and its connection to Türkiye’s revolutionary history

But I also want to hear from you! What aspects of life in Türkiye are you curious about? What expat experiences resonate with you? Drop me a comment below!

Teşekkür Ederim (Thank You)

Your patience during my unplanned hiatus means more than you know. This expat journey has its ups and downs, but knowing there are people interested in my random observations and occasional wisdom makes it all worthwhile.

There’s a lovely Turkish saying I’ve come to embrace during this time: “Her şeyde bir hayır vardır.” (There is goodness in everything.) Even in my silence, my failures, and my hibernation, there was growth happening beneath the surface—and now I’m ready to bloom.

Until next time (which will be soon, I promise), 

With love from Ankara,

Tiffles, Stormy, and Smokey 🐾❤️

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