Well, I (and my fellow Americans) get on a plane to Turkey three weeks from tomorrow, and all of us meet up again three weeks from Friday, and we’ve all become so excited about it that even this blog is getting some attention.
Here today, a post from one of the Turkish participants, Hakki Ayaz.
Standard guest post disclaimer: all views and opinions expressed in this post are solely and exclusively the personal views of the guest author. They may not necessarily represent or reflect my own views and opinions, nor does this guest post imply that the guest author agrees or disagrees with any of MY opinions unless otherwise explicitly stated. These guest posts should not be construed as reflecting nor may they necessarily reflect the opinions, positions, policies or official business of any organization with which I or the guest author may be professionally or otherwise affiliated.
In His Words: Hakki Ayaz
Hakki cheers on the Atlanta "Hakkis". Hakki buraya!
Name:
Hakki Ayaz
Professional Life:
Project Specialist, Project Coordination Unit, Directorate of Mardin National Education
What inspired you to apply to YTYA?
It is a fact that a lot of what happens in the USA becomes very popular, or fashionable, or makes the news, all around the world. I was inspired to apply to bring my own perspective – to discuss certain local problems happening in my home region – to be heard in an international arena. In other words, I wanted to bring my home to the world. I also wanted to explore a new place and make new friends who share my interests.
What’s something you learned during the two weeks in America?
I realized how technical signs, reports, or policy documents lead to decisions that affect millions of lives. I got a great insight into the policymaking process and how that process functions, including cause-and-effects. I also learned the important role of lobbying activities in the policymaking process, such that every corporate, citizen, national, or even international interest can create a space for themselves when it comes to decision-making. And of course I overcame some preconceptions about the “stereotypical” American, learning that – though some think they will be “rude” or “arrogant” – this wasn’t true based on my earnest experiences with my very precious new friends.
What do you hope to gain from the trip to Turkey?
I hope we have the chance to realize how individual policy cases are viewed from the point of view of Turkish policymakers, politicians and leaders. I hope to gather new knowledge about the importance and the impact of information that comes from a variety of sources, and how those sources are interrelated to other issues and nations. And, of course, I look forward to having the chance to host and to escort a very exciting team of young American and Turkish scholars.
Care to share a funny, interesting, or touching moment from the experience so far?
The first time we all met each other was over dinner in a restaurant. In the middle of introducing ourselves (when I only managed to remember about maybe 15% of the names!) and chatting away, it was time to order the food. When the waitress got to me, and asked what I would like, I pointed to “salmon” on the menu. She asked if I would like “fries,” and I responded “yes, French fries.” She thought that I was correcting her. When she asked another question and I responded “yes,” she said “Wow, at least you can say ‘yes,’ that’s great, you speak English.” And apparently she misunderstood me entirely, because she didn’t bring me what I ordered!
