Efe Uslukan

Student

My name is Gürsel Efe Uslukan. I was born on March 10, 2009, and I am an 11th-grade student at Sırrı Yırcalı Anatolian High School. Besides my academic life, I value developing myself in different areas. I have been involved in various sports, which helped me develop skills such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. I have also had the opportunity to take part in different organizations, meet new people, and gain new perspectives. I previously attended a TEDx event as a participant. I have also participated in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, where I developed my skills in research, public speaking, communication, diplomacy, and negotiation. During my MUN experiences, I have had the opportunity to receive several awards. I value gaining new experiences, meeting people with different ideas and perspectives, and continuously improving myself. In the future, I hope to bring together the knowledge and experiences I gain and take part in projects that allow me to contribute both to my personal growth and to the people around me.

I am passionate about football and being part of communities where I can learn, compete, and connect with others. Football has always been more than just a sport for me; I enjoy the teamwork, the excitement of competition, and the feeling of working toward a common goal. I also have a strong interest in Model United Nations and similar organizations. I enjoy researching different topics, discussing ideas, representing different perspectives, and challenging myself to communicate my thoughts effectively. These experiences have helped me become more confident, open-minded, and willing to listen to people with different opinions. Above all, I am passionate about discovering new experiences, meeting new people, and continuously improving myself. I enjoy putting myself in environments that challenge me and give me the opportunity to learn something new.

I believe that an idea worth spreading is that a nation should protect and value its own history, culture, and values. Throughout history, the Turkish nation has shown through its struggles, sacrifices, and spirit of independence that it is a strong nation. Knowing the values inherited from our past and passing them on to future generations is a responsibility we all share. I believe that we should protect the heritage we carry in our blood, never forget our past, and build our future upon our own values. The Republic of Türkiye is not simply the land we live on; it is a shared value established through great sacrifices. Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect our Republic, carry it forward, and leave a stronger Türkiye for future generations. The idea I believe is worth spreading is that we should protect our identity and values while remaining open to the world, and move confidently toward the future by drawing strength from our past. I believe that young people who know their nation, history, and Republic will be the greatest force shaping the future of Türkiye.

Communication, Event Management, Leadership, Organizational Skills, Teamwork

My TED journey started when I attended a TEDx event as a participant. Being surrounded by people who shared different ideas, experiences, and perspectives made me realize how powerful it can be to simply listen, question, and exchange ideas. Since then, I have become more interested in taking part in environments where people come together to share knowledge and inspire one another. My experiences in MUN conferences and other organizations have also helped me become more confident in expressing my ideas, listening to different perspectives, and communicating with people from different backgrounds. For me, TED is not only about listening to inspiring talks. It is about curiosity, sharing ideas, meeting people, and being open to new ways of thinking. I hope to continue my TED journey by learning from others, contributing my own experiences, and becoming part of a community that encourages people to think differently.

People may not know that I am good at taking initiative, communicating with different people, and adapting quickly to new environments. I enjoy challenges and tend to see unfamiliar situations as opportunities to learn, improve, and discover what I am capable of.