Fine Arts Competition Alumna Judge: Sevde

Watch the video or listen to the podcast interview here.

Meet Sevde, a Hudson Global Scholars alumna currently studying in the United States. In this Q&A, she reflects on her academic journey, her dream of becoming a surgeon, and the experiences that shaped her path.

Where are you currently located, and can you tell us a little bit about yourself

Sevde: I’m Sevde, though people here call me Seth. I’m from Turkey and moved to Ohio, in the United States, for my education.

What are you studying right now?

Sevde: I’m studying biology at Cleveland State University. I want to become a doctor, but I’m considering switching from biology to chemistry. I’m still figuring that out.

Did you always know this was the field you wanted to pursue?

I think so. I’ve wanted to become a doctor since I was in sixth grade. Influences from my family and TV shows made me especially interested in becoming a surgeon one day.

Is your interest shifting now that you’re thinking about chemistry?

A little bit. I really enjoy chemistry, and one of my professors recommended that I study chemistry instead of biology to better pursue a career in medicine.

Do you already know the steps to becoming a surgeon?

Yes. I need to complete my undergraduate studies for four years, then go to medical school, and after that, residency.

Was there another career you ever considered?

I once wanted to become a marine biologist, but it didn’t feel like a realistic option in my country, since there aren’t many marine biology opportunities there. So I decided not to pursue it.

Do you plan to return to Turkey in the future?

Yes, eventually. It’s my home, so I know I’ll go back one day.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

I’d say not to try to grow up too fast, because it’s not worth it. I’d also say not to rush the process—growth happens when you allow yourself the time you need.

What’s one fun fact about you that might surprise people?

When I tell people that I’m a professional scuba diver, they’re usually pretty shocked.

How did you get into scuba diving?

I lived very close to the sea, so one day my sisters and I decided to try diving. We took a course, got our certificates, and now all of us are professional scuba divers.

What do you enjoy doing to relax after a long day?

After university, my roommate and I usually grab food or cook something, sit in front of the TV, and watch our favorite shows. We just relax, eat, and don’t think about anything else.

What surprised you most when transitioning from high school to university?

The level of independence and responsibility really surprised me. From the first day, you’re treated like an adult and expected to handle everything on your own, which was overwhelming at first.

What motivated you to join Hudson Global Scholars?

I joined because I thought Hudson Global Scholars would help me with my academic path, especially since I really wanted to study abroad. They supported me throughout the process, and my favorite part of the community was feeling welcomed, supported, and not alone.

What skills did you gain from the program?

I took a few classes, including two English courses that really helped with my academic writing. Since the courses were online, I had to manage everything on my own, which really improved my self-discipline.

You were very active in the community. What roles did you take on?

I was a student ambassador and led the Turkish Learning Club. I helped people learn phrases in Turkish, and I also helped lead the Best Buddy club, where students from different countries were matched and connected.

Why did you want to become a student ambassador?

When I first started Hudson Global Scholars, I didn’t really know what to do. Ambassadors made the journey feel easier and more welcoming, and I wanted to be that person for new and current students. I also really enjoy meeting new people.

What was one of your favorite memories from the clubs?

In the Turkish Learning Club, I loved it when people shared similarities and differences between their languages and cultures. Seeing how concepts connected across cultures was really meaningful to me.

How did university advising help you?

I worked with Ruka throughout the advising process, and she helped me clarify my academic path—what I wanted to study, which university to choose, and which country was right for me. Thanks to that guidance, I’m now doing what I truly wanted, and it feels like a better fit for me.

What advice from university advising stayed with you?

To choose options that align with your long-term goals, not just what seems easiest in the short term. Focusing on what you really want makes a big difference.

What advice do you have for students planning their futures?

Be flexible. Plans change every year in high school and college, and that’s okay. What shouldn’t change are your values. You can adjust your plans around them, and in the end, you need to trust yourself.

How was university life different from what you imagined?

I expected college to be extremely difficult because of the language barrier, and I worried people might judge my accent. But instead, I found people to be welcoming and curious about my culture. The classes weren’t as hard as I expected, and the language barrier turned out not to be a big issue.

Any final advice you’d like to share?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you don’t understand something. Professors want you to ask, and they don’t judge you for it. Be confident, don’t be shy, and speak up.