Student Profile |
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Faculty: School of Computing
Major: Computer Science, Year 4
Co-curricular Activities (CCAs):
I joined the Hip Hop Dance Club, the Aikido Club, the Association of School of Computing's soccer team. I also became the Publication Team Editor of the NUS Muslim Society.
Why did you decide to come to NUS?
I came to NUS because I have a keen interest in the diverse peoples and cultures in Asia. I was also attracted by the quality and reputation of tertiary education available in Singapore, especially NUS, whose degrees are widely recognised. Furthermore, the global mix of the NUS community could enable me to learn about different cultures as well as meet and make friends with people from around the world.
Travelling from Turkey to this side of the world has also helped me hone my networking skills. My NUS experience has helped me grow not just in intellect but also in my soft skills, such as my ability to interact and relate to people from different cultures.
Fondest memory at NUS
I can look forward to many different experiences at NUS every day, and I have so many fond memories I can share. Let me share just one incident. There was one lecture, where I unintentionally yawned towards the end. The lecturer paused, and all my classmates turned to look at me. The lecturer, to the laughter of my classmates, said my yawn was his cue to end the class. Later on, many classmates who watched the webcast of the lecture told me they could hear me yawning. That was a really funny and memorable episode, which I will never forget.
Mehmet on …
Balancing studying, family, friends and work
The best advice I can offer is to give approximately equal time, energy and commitment to these priorities. Have a plan and ensure that the plan is executed well. When it’s time to work, work hard. If it is time to play, have fun and play hard. The plans you make will also have to be thought through thoroughly. And don’t hesitate to clear your doubts with the professors.
There are also many opportunities to gain work experience in NUS, like being a teaching assistant or taking part in industrial attachment. Whichever you choose, it will definitely give you an edge.
On making time for family, like mine, for instance, living so far away from where I am, commit to regular conversations, because I feel that staying connected with family is very important to them and for your own well-being. With the advent of technology and how accessible it is, there is really no reason for you not to catch up with your loved ones.
On making friends, I find that patience is important, because people may take time to open up. When they do, they can become really good friends.
Mehmet’s Favourites
Pastime
Definitely soccer, basketball and swimming.
Module
I like any modules that combine theory and practice. When I can apply theories to practical situations, I feel a sense of satisfaction.
Social networking site
Facebook, because it is reliable, and more about staying in touch and interacting with friends, and less about finding dates and indulging in narcissistic tendencies.
Eating place on campus
I like the TechnoEdge canteen. I love the Western and Indonesian stalls. Also, all the stall vendors are so friendly. We can chat about just about anything, such as the Turkish soccer team.
Movie
Currently, my favourite movie would be It’s Complicated, because it explores real-life issues relating to relationships, old age and family. It also highlights the quirky moments in supposedly mundane lives.
Music
My favourite band is Apocalytica, a Finnish symphonic metal group that incorporates both classical and rock instruments to make fabulous sounds. I also love feel-good dance music.
Thing about NUS
It would definitely be the professors. I feel very privileged to have met them and have them as my mentors because they are professional, competent and inspiring.