Ece
DPhil in Law
During my undergrad years, I attended a summer school in Oxford. I remember meeting DPhil students during my time here and imagining myself as one of them. I thought it would only stay as a pipedream. I am blessed to have a family that gave me the courage and support to pursue my dream. I still remember the morning I saw my acceptance email. As someone still at the beginning of her journey, I can say that Oxford taught me to believe in myself and not to doubt when pursuing my goals in life. I am now pursuing my DPhil in law, focusing on competition law in digital markets.
I have joined the Hall in very exceptional circumstances- in the midst of a pandemic. I was not able to arrive in Oxford for my first year. However, the staff, college advisers, and MCR had put so much effort into normalizing our experience as freshers. I shall never forget the postcard I received from the library staff. They sent my requested book (to Turkey) with a lovely note and a postcard featuring the library. It made me feel that I had become a part of a place I had never seen before. The moment I arrived at the Teddy Hall, I felt at home, and I told myself the pandemic might have stolen a year from me and Teddy Hall, but it took nothing away from the spirit.
What do you think when you hear ‘Women of the Hall’? What does the Hall mean to you?
As a pandemic fresher, what does Teddy Hall mean to me? It means a million things to get excited for: I am excited for the memories I will create here, I am excited for the people I will meet, and most importantly, I am excited for the person I will become after my years here.
I am proud to be a part of the Teddy Hall community, consisting of powerful women working in various areas. I see us – Women of the Hall – as building blocks of a great wall. It is so inspiring to see those who were part of the Hall before us, and hopefully, we will be an inspiration for those yet to come. I am deeply committed to supporting women throughout my career.