My Story

Grew up in Istanbul.
- Had an incredible childhood (Thanks mom and dad!)
Dropped out of high school after my junior year.
- I am hoping to unpack this later in my posts. 🤓
- TLDR; Convinced my parents to send me to New York, despite very limited English skills and not having been abroad before. 🗽
  - Catching up with language and culture was challenging, but I loved the experience.
Attended Penn State.
- Initially aimed for Aerospace Engineering, but pivoted to Insutrial Engineering due to visa restrictions on career exploration.
Started my career as a management consultant.
- Relized that it wasn’t for me.
A layover in the Bay Area led to me to leave my consulting job and move to Menlo Park. 🌉
- Lived in a hacker house for close to a year with 15+ people (and loved it!)
  - Yes, I had roommates.
- Got my first tech job. 🧑‍💻
  - Thanks Jeff for trusting me and supporting me through my journey.
- Spent 6 incredible years there, living all over the Peninsula and meeting very special people.
  - I am hoping to unpack these years later in my posts. 🤔
Recently moved “back” to New York! 🗽