Dear Host Family,

My name is Buse, and I have recently graduated with a degree in Physiotherapy from Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Turkey. I have always been drawn to working with children and supporting their growth, not only in health-related contexts but also in their everyday learning and development.

During my third year at university, I joined a meaningful educational support project organized by the local municipality. For six months, I gave private lessons to a 12-year-old student, helping her prepare for his exams and understand subjects she struggled with at school. Over time, I became more than just a tutor — He began to see me as an older sister. He would often come to me with questions he felt too shy to ask his teachers. This experience showed me the power of patience, trust, and being a consistent source of encouragement for a child.

In addition to this, I’ve also had hands-on caregiving experience with my younger cousins. Every summer, my sibling and I would take care of two of them — of different ages — for three months while their parents were at work. I was involved in everything from playing and feeding to teaching and guiding them. These summers taught me the joy and responsibility of being a role model and caregiver, and they shaped my understanding of children’s needs at different developmental stages.