Our Graduates Speaking!
Tarih: Date
Burak Şenel
English Language Teaching - 2020 Graduate
University of Arizona - Fulbright Scholar - MA Student
Growing up, one of my biggest passions was English. It still is one of my biggest passions and it’s been an amazing adventure. At one point my passion to learn English gave way to a passion to teach English. That was when I decided to study English Language Education.
People that live in Ankara know for a fact that TED Ankara College is one of the best when it comes to English teaching. I’ve always believed in the name of TED and its principles that give that name its meaning. That was the primary reason I choose to study English Language Education in not just a university but in TED University. Having enrolled in the university as the top-scoring student in the Faculty of Education, I can say that these four years have been the best years of my life thanks to my professors and in every moment, I’ve felt that I grew as a person and as a teacher.
For me, English Language Education Department in TED University is the best among those in other universities. I can say that with confidence because here, I got to participate in international projects, including those with U.K, U.S.A, and Spain. Teaming up with two of my friends, and two of my professors as our advisors, I got to lead a university-funded research that we designed, implemented and analyzed, which gave me the opportunity to learn and practice academic and research skills even more. Our university funding any sensible research project while you are a student was what made it possible for me to do that. In another research project conducted by my Linguistics professor, I got to work as a research assistant and experienced what it meant to work with a professor. Last but definitely not least, I got to participate in an ESL event in TED Atakent College in Istanbul, an event that hosted many presentations from TED teachers from all over Turkey and to network with and learn from them. All of these were the opportunities that were particular to my university and my department. I am forever grateful for my professors that helped me become a better version of myself and believed in me.
I am now graduating from TED University. I remember I came here to learn more about English teaching to be able to share my passion with others. I remember how happy I was to see that my professors were people who came here to share theirs. I am leaving here with memories dear to my heart. My next stop is University of Arizona. I hope to represent my department with what I was equipped with: compassion, patience, and a zest for learning!