Name: Gizem Tunca
Major: Middle East Studies and Anthropology
Year: 2014
Hometown: Barrington, IL
Activities on campus: Turkish Student Association, Sigma Kappa
Internships: Department of Justice, White House, The Atlantic Council
How were you involved on the SA?
“I was the Co-Director of Greek Affairs on the Executive Cabinet my sophomore year (2011).”
What was your favorite thing about being on SA?
“My favorite thing about being on the SA was working with some of the most driven and dedicated students at this school. I was a sophomore back then, so I was a bit young, and I looked to the older members and tried to emulate what they were doing. I was shy and uncomfortable, not knowing if I should voice my opinion. Those individuals really helped me become fearless with my leadership abilities and communication skills.”
What is your favorite part about being a part of Greek Life?
“My absolute favorite thing about being a part of Greek Life, especially at GW, is that we defy stereotypes as a community. Consistently, students affiliated with Greek organizations are our most visible leaders on this campus. We support each other, as can be seen with the significant amount of money chapters raise for their individual philanthropies. We make a group effort to better all of Greek Life and its members, not just our own chapters. I can say I would not have accomplished anything in my undergraduate career without the advice, support, and tough love from so many of my sisters and friends in Greek Life.”
Favorite Greek Life moment?
“My favorite Sigma Kappa moment was Bid day. After an excruciating 4 days of recruitment, getting that envelope makes it all worth it. Every chapter has its own tradition of making Bid Day special. For Sigma Kappa, we take all the new girls on a boat ride around the city, and have the best dance party.”
Tell me a little bit about the Turkish Student Association.
“The Turkish Student Association is a GW student organization that looks to promote cultural understanding of Turkish-American relations throughout campus and the larger DC community. Our annual event is Turkish Night, filled with amazing Turkish food, belly-dancing, and fun! If anyone is interested in getting involved, please contact our current president through the GW student organization directory.”
What did you do at the Atlantic Council?
“The Atlantic Council is a highly regarded international affairs think-tank that was created in 1961 to promote cooperation between North America and Europe immediately following WWII. Today, their policy research goes beyond Europe. I worked as an Intern in the Office of Development and External Relations. During that time, I managed over 60 events, and got to meet some really cool people, like our famous alum, General Colin Powell.”
Tell me what interning for the White House was like.
“It was the hardest, most gratifying, and most humbling opportunity I could ever have as a student. Initially, I decided to study abroad in Paris that semester, never thinking that my application would be accepted. Then the phone call came a week before I was supposed to leave, and I realized that I could not miss this opportunity. No matter how stressful it got, I never regretted my decision. Interning at the White House was one of my goals before I graduated, and being able to realize that goal is very fulfilling.”
How did you get that internship?
“My first step towards applying for the internship began with an older sorority sister who was interning there when I was a freshmen. She encouraged me later when I was a junior, and if it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have applied. Upon notification of getting the internship, she was the first person I called because I didn’t know if I should accept or go to Paris. The majority of people around me were telling me that studying abroad was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and an internship at the White House is something you can always apply for again. She was the first person to tell me that I would regret not accepting it, and I realized that she was right.”
What was your favorite part about interning at the White House?
“Realizing that where you work will always be a part of history. You could be going through a regular day, and then something amazing happens. You were a part of it, and it really puts into perspective how incredible the experience is.”
How did you feel when your speech got picked to introduce Joe Biden?
“I was floored. If someone told me when I was a freshman that something like that was going to happen, I would have laughed. D.C. is filled with so many opportunities, yet it is a highly competitive environment. Moving here was really tough. I started doubting my own abilities because it was too competitive. I almost transferred to a school closer to home. But I stuck it out. Getting my speech picked to introduce the Vice President justified all my reasoning in deciding to stay in DC. It was a very personal moment for me, and I will never forget the relief and satisfaction I felt when I found out.”
Where do you currently intern?
“I intern at the Department of Justice, for the Office of International Affairs.”
Any advice for college-aged women looking for internships?
“Consider applying for internships practice for when you start applying for jobs. You have to spend a lot of time researching about the organization, writing a cover letter, and tailoring your resume. Don’t expect to get your dream internship the first time around. It’s a process and you have to be patient. First, build up your resume. Your high school extra-curriculars are not going to cut it. Start by taking e-board positions of student organizations in college. Then, move to applying for internships that might not be as competitive as the ones you want. Finally, when you have a couple of positions or internships exhibiting your leadership and talent, apply to those big name internships that you always wanted. Showcasing the quality and longevity of your work in one or two experiences is way more important than listing 10 different leadership positions you had that didn’t amount to much.”
What is your favorite quote?
“‘The only difference between me and the boys is that they have a twig and berries’ by Nicki Minaj. Its super sassy and I absolutely love it. She works in an environment that is exclusively male, and I can relate to that. Even in a progressive city like D.C., women have a difficult time rising professionally. This quote inspires me to break down those gender barriers that women face today.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Never compare yourself to other people. Growing up, my mom always told me this, but I never believed her. Coming to D.C. did not make it any easier. It is hard not to compare yourself to your peers when they are all doing amazing things. Yet, I realized around my sophomore year that the more I focused on my own goals, the more success I had with classes and extracurriculars.”
Biggest aspiration?
“To build my career on doing what I love. I don’t know what that is yet, but I do know that for me to be successful, I have to be passionate about my work.”
Dream vacation?
“It will always be Istanbul, Turkey. I truly believe that home is where the family is. My family does not include just my parents and my brothers, but it includes my aunts, uncles, and a lot of cousins. My entire extended family lives in Istanbul, so I always feel like something is missing unless I’m there.”
What do you want to do post-graduation?
“I’m hoping to go to law school. But I also wouldn’t mind taking a year or two off and work. I realized now that even though you have a set plan in your head, it might not work out the way you want it to. So the answer to your question is that I really don’t know. But I’m ok with that! It’s scary and exciting at the same time, and I look forward to whatever comes next.”
Favorite book/movie/TV show?
“I am obsessed with anything that has to do with Sherlock Holmes. No literally. I have the entire book series as an app on my iPhone. I started reading the original series back in high school, and now they have movies and TV shows played by some of my favorite actors. No matter how many times I read the stories or watch the films, I still feel the excitement of trying to solve the mystery along with Sherlock and Watson.”
Best thing about GW?
“The diversity of cultures, opinions, and backgrounds the student body exhibits. For example, during my junior year, I lived with three other friends of mine in Ivory. I was Turkish, my roommate was Polish, and my suitemates were British-Indian and Jewish. This is the norm rather than the exception, and I would not have it any other way. If everyone were the same, it would be so boring.”
Who is your number one role model?
“My number one role models are my parents: my dad for his work ethic; my mom for her selflessness. My dad taught himself English, moved from Turkey to America, and became one of the most successful cancer surgeons in the country. My mother has taught me everything I know about love. She put aside her own ambitions to raise my brother and I for a while. To someone who is highly motivated, that is the biggest sacrifice anyone can make.”
Is it true you’ve got moves like Shakira?
“Yes, it is true that you’ll most likely see me on the dance floor at a party. Music and dancing is a huge part of my Turkish culture, and I guess that’s why I enjoy it. But no. I do not have moves like Shakira. I try, but I epically fail. Shakira is the only one with moves like Shakira. Beyonce is a close second.”
To end this interview, what’s an original Gizem inspirational quote?
“If you didn’t fail at least once in life that means you didn’t try hard enough.”