Personal Statement
My name is Zeynep Gür and I'm a student at Istanbul Saint Joseph French High School, class 11, I will be graduated in 2021.
I have been playing volleyball since 2011. Prior to volleyball I played basketball and was in gymnastics too, but fell in love with volleyball because it’s a combination of movement, teamwork, patience, and quick thinking. As captain of my school team for the past 3 years, I have enjoyed leading, encouraging and working with my teammates. My teammates in the sports clubs of Fenerbahce (2013-2018) and Galatasaray (2018-2019) have consistently placed 1st or 2nd in Istanbul and Turkey. While achieving first place nationwide during the year that I was team captain (2015-2016). By continuing to keep a positive attitude, training daily and by emphasizing clear communication with my coach and team, I believe I can learn more about being an outside hitter and an international athlete.
I carry these traits with me academically and in extra-curricular activities as well. My high school in Istanbul is Lycée Saint-Joseph, the most rigorous French school in the country admitting only those students who scored in the top 3% of national exams. My current cumulative GPA is 3.63 out of 4 (the school does not curve), and I my SAT score is 1150. I will be speaking French and English fluently when I am graduated. Meanwhile, in addition to volleyball and classes, I volunteer at local elementary schools, two organizations which focus on child refugees and on stray animals, and two different school-based organization committees for sports tournaments and cultural events. Also in summers I teach volleyball children as a volunteer at GD academia d'sports. Speaking and working on behalf of those less fortunate than I am are more than casual tasks but a way of life. Living fully in my community means taking the initiative to be a part of social projects that are important to me.
In terms of higher education, my goals are clear. A challenging academic curriculum, campus life that focuses on service and community, and a volleyball program which values my fully funded play experience in Turkey’s most elite clubs while recognizing I want and have lots to learn.
If you want to know more about me, I would be happy to give you more details.
