From a dream to the rally track: The inspiring story of Kübra Denizci Keskin


Istanbul Medipol University’s Office for Students with Disabilities, in collaboration with the MEC Club, organized the “Take the Wheel, Do What Has Never Been Done” event. Held on the South Campus, the event brought together students with Kübra Denizci Keskin, the world’s first female rally driver with a disability, and Emre Sever, CEO of PIN Drinks. During the event, Keskin and Sever not only shared their personal life journeys and struggles but also engaged directly with students, discussing their dreams, concerns, and the challenges they face in taking action. The event emphasized that the idea of “doing what has never been done” can be achieved through courage, perseverance, and determination. Topics such as the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in sports and society, support for female athletes, entrepreneurial spirit, and personal development were also discussed. 
 

KESKİN: OUR BELIEF IN STAYING ON THE PATH LEADS US TO THE RESULT 
In her speech, Kübra Denizci Keskin, the world’s first female rally driver with a disability, spoke about the turning points in her life. She explained that following a spinal cord injury and a broken neck at the age of 16, she went through an extremely difficult period and described the transformation she experienced in the following words:

“Everything changed in a single day. I had many dreams for the future. But suddenly, I found myself having to continue along a path where I could not clearly see what lay ahead, where uncertainty was overwhelming, and where I no longer felt that I belonged to the world.”

Keskin stated that she underwent an intense psychological struggle for approximately three years and noted that preparing for university became a significant turning point in her life. She explained that she chose to study psychology with the aim of supporting others through the experiences she had endured and added that she transformed her lifelong passion for automobiles into a professional pursuit.

Speaking about the challenges she encountered during her journey to becoming a rally driver, Keskin said: “We are not dependent on any institution or individual when it comes to the things we want to achieve. If we stay on the path, when one door does not open, another one does. Our belief in staying on the path leads us to the result.” Drawing attention to the importance of occasionally pausing and reflecting in life, Keskin added: “What truly matters in life is not the moments when we move forward, but the moments when we apply the brakes.”
 

SEVER: EVERYONE HAS A DIFFERENT TIME AND A DIFFERENT PATH; YOU HAVE TO GIVE YOURSELF A CHANCE
Emre Sever, CEO of PIN Drinks, shared with students the experiences he gained during his years as a teacher. Emphasizing the importance of believing in one’s potential, Sever explained how the bond he established with his students eventually evolved into an entrepreneurial journey.

Speaking about the founding process of PIN Drinks, Sever stated:

“In 2020, one of my students came to me and said, ‘Teacher, I have established a brand, and I want you to take charge of it.’ As someone who had never worked as a salaried employee anywhere in my life, I became business partners with my student.”

Sever noted that the company experienced significant growth during its early years and stated that today they continue their operations with a large team.

Encouraging young people to be courageous while creating their own paths, Sever remarked:

“Everyone has a different time and a different path. You have to give yourself a chance. Overcoming the voices that tell you, ‘You cannot do it,’ is extremely important.”

Sever also stated that learning to say “no” at the right time has been one of the most valuable lessons of his life and emphasized the importance of students being able to protect their own boundaries.