At the age of 40, when I returned to being a student, I stepped into this field not for a title, but for meaning. For many years, I worked in education. I taught, guided, and mentored. But after a while, I realized that within me, a deeper desire was growing not just to provide knowledge, but to help people gain health. Because health often slips away before we even notice it. Unfortunately, we usually begin to seek help only after we become ill. However, what truly matters is being able to protect and sustain health before diseases occur. At this point, one of the most powerful tools is undoubtedly learning and applying proper nutrition.Nutrition is not only an individual matter, but also a societal one. Healthy eating habits acquired in childhood affect not only individuals but also the future of an entire society. Many issues our country faces today, such as obesity, diabetes, and chronic diseases, could have been significantly reduced through preventive nutrition awareness. This awareness led me to pursue an education in Nutrition and Dietetics with a public health-oriented perspective. The education I received became a concrete part of the ideal envisioned by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—a vision of modern generations guided by science not only in thought but also in action. Today, we are contemporary health professionals who follow this vision and take science as our guide.The legacy of Ayşe Baysal, the founder of the dietetics profession in Turkey, whom we remember with respect and gratitude, has been a strong and inspiring influence on us, particularly through her approach of evaluating nutrition as a fundamental element of public health beyond individual well-being. In internalizing this profession not only scientifically but also ethically, the greatest contribution came from Funda Elmacıoğlu, a pioneering educator devoted to her field. Under her guidance, I gained not only knowledge but also the ability to think, question, and take responsibility.Today, Istinye University, from which I am proud to graduate, has prepared us not only for a profession but for a mission, with its strong academic staff and modern approach. Because we, as dietitians, are not just people who calculate calories; we are professionals who touch an individual’s quality of life and the health of society. We are health professionals who intervene before hospital care becomes necessary, support children in growing up healthy, make life easier for the elderly, help individuals develop body awareness, enhance athletes’ performance, and ensure sustainability by preventing injuries.Looking back today, I can sincerely say this: “I am glad I chose this profession, and I am glad I started again.” Because dietetics is not just a profession; it is the responsibility of shaping the future. And I will continue to carry this responsibility with science, compassion, and social awareness.

I had a university experience enriched with internship opportunities, events, and unique seminars. It was a process where fun and education went hand in hand, both academically and socially engaging.

The practical training and internship experiences I gained at Istinye University, along with the academically and socially comprehensive learning environment, strengthened my professional competence. This foundation enabled me to start my career with confidence after graduation.

The theoretical and practical training I received at my university laid a solid foundation for my professional life. Actively working in the field now reminds me daily of the value of this education.

I am Berra Çok, a 2023-2024 graduate of the Nursing Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Istinye University. During my studies, I completed internships at several hospitals within the MLPCare group. In my internship period, I gained experience at Liv Hospital Ulus in the Internal Medicine Department and the General Intensive Care Unit. Immediately after graduation, I started working in the Internal Medicine Department, where I am currently employed.In the meantime, I am also a first-year student in the Surgical Nursing Master’s Program. I would like to express my gratitude to the Istinye University Board of Trustees and all the esteemed faculty members for providing us with these job opportunities and the chance to intern at numerous hospitals.An Istinye graduate shapes the world.Sincerely. 

The education I received at Istinye and the opportunity for long-term internships allowed me to gain real field experience before graduation, which made my job search process much easier.