Inspiring message from visually impaired graduate Alkan: Nothing is an obstacle to success
Firdevs Melike Alkan, a visually impaired graduate of the Vocational School of Health Services at Istanbul Medipol University, emphasized the importance of determination and solidarity during her graduation speech. Having successfully completed her education with the support of the University's Partner Student Program, Alkan encouraged her fellow graduates by saying, "Nothing is an obstacle to success."
At the 2025–2026 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony of the Vocational School of Health Services at Istanbul Medipol University, Firdevs Melike Alkan, a visually impaired graduate of the Medical Documentation and Secretarial Studies Program, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduating class, highlighting determination, solidarity, and equal opportunity.
Speaking before addressing the graduates, Alkan stated that being visually impaired had never prevented her from achieving her educational goals.
She explained that the University's Partner Student Program had enabled her to continue her education with greater confidence and support.
"Being visually impaired never prevented me from pursuing my education. I never gave up trying. I was extremely pleased with Istanbul Medipol University's Partner Student Program. I would especially like to thank my partner student, Elif Ece Yılmaz. I want to tell all my friends never to stop striving. Nothing in life is an obstacle to success."
Through the University's Partner Student Program, volunteer students support peers with disabilities in various aspects of university life, from academic activities to campus life, contributing to a more accessible and inclusive learning environment.
"WE LEARNED TO BECOME THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR"
In her graduation speech, Alkan reflected on the educational journey that she and her classmates had begun two years earlier with great hope, noting that they had successfully completed it and were now preparing to assume important responsibilities within the healthcare sector.
She emphasized that they had learned to become one of the indispensable yet often unseen pillars of healthcare services.
"We learned to become the unsung heroes of the healthcare sector, the backbone of hospitals and medical units. Here, we came to understand the importance of knowledge, accurate documentation, effective communication, and above all, the professionalism required when serving human life."
Alkan thanked the academic staff for providing not only professional knowledge but also ethical values and life experience. She also expressed her gratitude to her family, acknowledging that their moral and financial support had been the greatest source of strength throughout her educational journey.
Addressing her fellow graduates, Alkan emphasized that graduation represented not only the culmination of their studies but also the beginning of a new chapter. She expressed her confidence that the education they had received would enable them to practice their professions with integrity, excellence, and professionalism wherever they serve.
Her speech received prolonged applause from students, families, and academic staff.
MEANINGFUL SUPPORT FROM HER PARTNER STUDENT
Elif Ece Yılmaz, who supported Firdevs Melike Alkan throughout her education as part of the Partner Student Program, described the experience as deeply meaningful.
"Walking alongside Firdevs, I realized that I was the one who learned the most. We attended classes together, shared our notes, and experienced campus life side by side. Her determination and perseverance inspired me as well. I came to understand that university life is not defined solely by academic achievement, but that solidarity is also an inseparable part of education."
PROF. GÜNTÜRK: HELPING EVERY STUDENT REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL IS ONE OF OUR HIGHEST PRIORITIES
Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, President of Istanbul Medipol University, congratulated all graduates, emphasizing that universities are not only institutions that transmit knowledge but also places responsible for creating inclusive educational environments where every student can realize their full potential.
Prof. İlknur Keskin, Director of the Vocational School of Health Services, stated that Firdevs Melike Alkan's achievement demonstrated not only the power of determination and perseverance but also the essential role of solidarity in success.
Highlighting the importance of initiatives that support students with disabilities throughout their educational journey, Keskin said:
"We place great importance on creating an inclusive educational environment where students support one another and no one is left behind. The solidarity demonstrated by Firdevs Melike Alkan and Elif Ece Yılmaz through the Partner Student Program is one of the finest examples of this commitment."
The graduation ceremony of the Vocational School of Health Services concluded with the presentation of diplomas followed by the traditional cap-tossing ceremony.
Last Update Date: 04/07/2026 - 09:37
