Assignment 1- Who You Are Matters

I am Ela Gogus. I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. My parents and siblings were not only role models of hard work and success but also my closest companions, always bringing laughter and support into daily life. Leaving home made me realize how lucky I was but also showed me that I could create that same sense of family wherever I go. The friends I’ve surrounded myself with now feel just as close, and they carry the same values I grew up with.

Where I’m going is toward a career that allows me to bridge my two deepest passions: healthcare and business. I want to use innovation, strategy, and entrepreneurship to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, especially for communities that are often overlooked. I am combining what I learn in the classroom with real-world experiences, internships, and mentorships, building both the skills and the network I need to make an impact.

In many ways, I am like my parents: hardworking, ambitious, and deeply committed to the people I care about. I admire my father’s career and often turn to him for advice, seeing him as a true role model. The biggest difference, however, is that I had the opportunity to leave Turkey and pursue my education in the United States, something my parents never experienced. That makes me even more grateful for the path I’m on and the opportunities I’ve been able to embrace here.

I’ve developed my own expectations for myself. Moving to the U.S. alone at 18 pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. From meeting incredible people from all over the world who have become my second family to navigating jobs and internships, learning how to network, and experiencing life through travel and independence, I’ve built a vision for my future that is entirely my own. While my family’s values have shaped me, the goals I’m working toward today come from the experiences I’ve created for myself.

Outside of my family, the person who inspires me most is my high school English teacher. She always believed in me, and even now, in college, I still seek her advice. Her support has been a constant source of encouragement.

One thing that makes me ‘see red’ is dishonesty. Whether it’s lying to someone or not being genuine, a lack of honesty is something I find very hard to tolerate.

I have a special connection with dogs. They are loyal, caring, and protective, much like the way I try to be with my own family and friends.

As a kid, I loved climbing the fig tree in my grandparents’ garden in Istanbul. It was where I played, hid, and waited for the figs to ripen.

Sun - Virgo, Moon - Gemini, Rising - Pisces