Our volunteers are a diverse bunch. They come to us from the four corners of the globe, different ethnicities, ages, genders, religions, but the one thing they all share is a desire to help. They are the beating heart of Serve the City. They are dedicated individuals, role models to young people and future leaders. But who are they really? In our volunteer spotlight we introduce you to one of our volunteers and find out some unusual and interesting facts about them.
Let me introduce you to Ecem.
Where were you born?
I was born in Istanbul, Turkey, a city that has greatly shaped who I am today. Growing up in such a culturally rich and dynamic environment helped me become open-minded and curious about different people and perspectives.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak Turkish, French, German, and English. Being multilingual has always been an important part of my life, as it allows me to connect with people from very different backgrounds and feel at home in more than one culture.
What does STCP mean to you?
For me, STCP is more than just a volunteering organisation. It is a space where I feel completely myself and where I can genuinely connect with people. I love the sense of community it creates, and being part of something that brings support and positivity to others is very meaningful to me.
When you’re not volunteering, how do you spend your time?
Outside of volunteering, I spend a lot of time working on my own projects and managing my company, which is something I am very passionate about. I also try to stay active by running every day, as sports help me clear my mind. In addition to that, I really enjoy discovering new restaurants with friends and experiencing different cuisines. I value both productivity and simple social moments in my daily life.
What is your favorite hobby?
My biggest passions are music and sports. Music has always been a big part of my life, and I love how it can completely change your mood and energy. Sport is equally important to me, as it keeps me disciplined and balanced. In winter, I especially enjoy skiing with my family and snowboarding, which is something that brings me a lot of joy and freedom.
What is your favorite meal?
I am a big fan of pastries and anything sweet or baked. I also really enjoy all types of pasta dishes, as they are both comforting and versatile. However, I do not eat fish, so I naturally avoid seafood-based meals.
With which person living or deceased would you like to eat that meal?
I would love to share a meal with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. I deeply admire his leadership, vision, and the reforms he brought to the country. I think it would be incredibly inspiring to hear his thoughts and experience his perspective on life and society.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To me, perfect happiness is found in the small and simple things in life. It is waking up healthy, being surrounded by people I care about, and appreciating each day as it comes. I believe that as long as we are alive and healthy, there is always something to be grateful for.
Which living person do you most admire?
The person I admire the most is my mother. She is not only my biggest supporter but also my closest friend. She is a very strong woman who has always been there for me in every situation, offering guidance, love, and unconditional support. Her strength and kindness inspire me every day.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I used to play guitar when I was younger, and I really wish I had continued. If I could choose a talent, I would love to be able to play all musical instruments perfectly and read music fluently. I think music is one of the most powerful forms of expression, and mastering it would be incredible.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement so far is becoming an independent woman and building my own path in life. Starting my own company and proving to myself that I can create something from nothing is something I am very proud of. I also hope to inspire other women to believe in their own potential and take initiative.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Honestly, I would not want to come back as anyone or anything else. I believe every person is shaped by their own experiences, personality, and choices. I value my own identity, and I feel that being myself is already the most meaningful thing I can be.
