A good half of the art of living is resilience. This year we set out to explore, measure and better understand the mechanisms behind resilience: the amazing ability that allows us to overcome challenges, obstacles, difficulties and adversities. The interviews about resilience are focused on how we do this in our own life stories and in our work experiences.
1. When did you discover the concept of resilience and in what context?
At the age of 19, when I realized that I could come to a different country on my own and stand on my own feet.
2. What does resilience mean for you?
Resilience for me means strength, the ability to deal with problems and to act with logic.
3. What makes you resilient? What resources of yours helped you become more resilient during this period, and how did they match the outer challenges?
I think the factor that makes me resilient in this process is that I put my feelings in the background. In some cases, emotional thinking can do you more harm than good. To give a personal example, I made a sudden decision to come to Romania from Turkey for a 2-month internship. There were also many obstacles in front of me. But my purpose was clear, so I didn’t care about any of them.
I am finally here. I never thought it was the first time I’d been away from my family for such a long time. Because if I thought about it, maybe I would have succumbed to my feelings and wanted to give up and come back. But I thought of this distance as an advantage for myself. Without your parents telling you what to do, the decision is up to you. As you start making your own decision, you feel more confident, free and adult. This was the biggest benefit for me from coming to Romania.
4. Can you give an example of a moment in your life when you showed resilience?
I actually gave the answer in the previous question, but to give another example, the hunger struggle in Romania for someone who does not eat pork.
5. What did you discover about yourself as a resilient person that you believe could help others?
My self-confidence increased a lot. When your self-confidence increases, you feel more courageous. You are open to taking risks. I used to be a little shy and reserved. Now, I don’t hesitate to help people in any way.
Tutku KILINÇ is studying PR and Publicity at Istanbul University and came to Romania for a two months internship through the Global Talent program, by AIESEC International Organization.
