Persistence Leads to Oxford

Berra Okudurlar, a graduate of the Department of English Translation and Interpreting at Izmir University of Economics (IUE), has been accepted to the University of Oxford for her master’s degree - a university that millions of young people around the world dream of attending. Okudurlar, who became one of only 12 students admitted to study in the field of Comparative Literature and Critical Translation, achieved remarkable success. Expressing her great happiness at seeing years of hard work pay off, Okudurlar said, “Oxford has always been a university I wanted to be part of. It was not easy, but I succeeded. I want this achievement to inspire all students and give them hope.”

Berra Okudurlar, 23, who lives in Karşıyaka, Izmir, was admitted to the Department of English Translation and Interpreting at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences of IUE in 2020. Having loved writing since childhood and doing translations even in her free time, Okudurlar quickly climbed the ladder of success, supported by the motivation of studying in the department she loved and aimed for.

Standing out with her high GPA and performance in projects, Okudurlar also made excellent use of the double major opportunity offered by IUE and began studying in the Department of Computer Engineering as well.

SHE WILL RECEIVE HER SECOND DIPLOMA

Continuing her education in two different fields simultaneously, Okudurlar also won second place in the Young Translators Contest organized by the Directorate for EU Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2024. In the same year, she graduated top of her class from the IUE Department of English Translation and Interpreting.

Preparing to graduate from the Department of Computer Engineering this year and receive her second diploma, Okudurlar has inspired everyone with her hard work and determination.

REGARDED AS THE BEST IN THE WORLD

Taking her university achievements to the international stage, Okudurlar was accepted for a master’s degree at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, which is regarded in many rankings as one of the world’s leading higher education institutions. Standing out not only with her academic success but also with her reference letters and the work she has carried out so far, Okudurlar experienced great pride.

“I TRIED TO MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY”

Okudurlar said she is going through one of the most special periods of her educational journey, which she has pursued for a long time with great effort, patience and belief. “Discipline, keeping my sense of curiosity alive and not giving up in the face of difficulties played a major role in bringing me to this point. Of course, the process was not always easy. There were times when I felt tired, struggled, questioned myself and could not see my friends as much as I wanted. However, believing in the goal I dreamed of and taking even a small step toward that goal every day gave me strength. I tried to make the most of every opportunity I had. Even though I knew there was a possibility of rejection, I did not give up on my goal, I took initiative and eventually reached the point I wanted,” she said.

“I AM EXCITED; MY FEELINGS ARE INDESCRIBABLE”

Okudurlar continued: “Having the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom and being one of 12 people accepted to such a prestigious university is an indescribable feeling. I am excited, and I believe this achievement will open new doors for me in my career. At the moment, I have not made a final decision about my future goals. I believe I will choose the path that suits me best by taking advantage of having studied in two different fields.”

“I HOPE MY STORY GIVES HOPE AND COURAGE”

Okudurlar also shared a message for students: “Even if your dreams seem too big or too far away, do not give up on them. Do not be afraid to improve yourself, try new fields, make mistakes and start again. Success often does not come all at once; it comes with patience, consistency and confidence in yourself. If my story gives hope and courage to all students who say, ‘I can do it too,’ this achievement will become even more meaningful for me.”