Realizing the University Dream at 36; The Turkish Woman Commuting Between Two Cities

An Iron Will to Change Life's Path Aslıhan Aytekin, a 36-year-old woman and mother of two, has proven that it is never too late to learn and fulfill long-held dreams. Having dreamed of studying architecture for years, she finally succeeded this year in being admitted as a first-year student in the "Interior Architecture and Environmental Design" department at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design at Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University (BŞEÜ) [1].

By benefiting from the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) support project known as the "Quota for Women Over 34," Aytekin was able to return to academic life after years away. Having previously prioritized raising her children, she is now pursuing expertise in her field of interest with double the motivation [2].

Challenges of Commuting Between Istanbul and Bilecik One of the most amazing aspects of Aslıhan’s story is how she manages her time and travel between two major cities. She lives in Istanbul, but her university is located in the city of Bilecik, approximately 200 kilometers away [1].

Her weekly schedule is arranged so that she travels from Istanbul to Bilecik on Mondays and stays in a house she rented for her study period. She attends classes diligently throughout the week, studying alongside students who are sometimes half her age. Regarding this, Aslıhan says: "Among 18-year-old students, I feel young again, and this energy helps me forget the hardships of the journey" [1][3].

Balancing the Roles of Mother, Teacher, and Student Aslıhan’s life is not limited to university studies. She is a prime example of a multitasking woman. After finishing her university classes on Thursdays, she returns to Istanbul to attend to her family responsibilities.

In addition, on Fridays and weekends, she works as a visual arts teacher at Cenap Şahabettin Primary School in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul [1]. She also teaches the art of candle making to enthusiasts in training courses organized by the Kadıköy Municipality. This volume of activity demonstrates her personal discipline and endless passion for art and education [2].

A Message for All Women: Follow Your Dreams Aslıhan Aytekin states that her goal for this round-the-clock effort is to become a successful role model for women who postponed their educational dreams due to marriage or motherhood. She emphasizes that she intends to graduate with the best grades and enter the job market as a successful interior architect in the future [1].

Her story, which has been widely reflected in Bilecik local media and national Turkish news agencies, serves as a reminder that age limits exist only in our minds and that with planning and perseverance, a new chapter can be started at any stage of life [2][3].