Embodying the meaning of the famous Turkish proverb “1 lisan, 1 insan”, Deniz Onuk (21) can already become fully affiliated with 6 different cultures as she is fluent in her native Turkish, English, Korean, Japanese and French and can also communicate in Spanish. Her hectic high school years involved her balancing a variety of different interests, including fencing, MUN conferences, playing the piano, doing theatre, volunteering, founding the Eastern Culture Club, and studying in Japan. As she continues her junior year in Law she also majors in Sociology. Given her outstanding academic prowess and countless extracurricular activities, it would be fair to say Deniz has a superpower, and it is multitasking. After a busy summer where she deepened her understanding in law by doing an internship, she is here to prove herself once more in her second year in the Jessup Competition, her experience making her an invaluable asset to the Istanbul Jessup Team. With her vivacious smile and knowledge of law, she is every team’s dream member.
The best way to describe Sema Gelturan (22), would be “jack of all trades”. Not only does she have a variety of skills in different areas, she prospers in every field she ventures into. Having fallen in love with the ocean, her passion for the world’s waters had fueled Sema’s dreams of working on maritime law. Right now she is mastering international law, being an esteemed member of the Istanbul Center of International Law, set to graduate this week. Sema’s interest for law of the uncharted is not only limited to the oceans but also encompasses the vast emptiness that we live in: the space. Her work on space law has lead her to get selected as one of the few special delegates worldwide in the SGAC&ECSL MUN Conference and participate in Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition. Alongside law, you can see Sema’s name on literary magazines, where she has had her writings and poetry published. Sema has an abundant love for literature and music, plays the piano and has sang in a choir. When she isn’t researching law, you can see her swimming or doing pilates. With her mastery in a variety of subjects and exceptional knowledge in law, Sema will no doubt contribute immensely to the team.
Meet Eylül Atasoy (19), a budding sapling with many ambitions and limitless potential. The youngest member of the group but perhaps the most ambitious, she excels in a variety of areas. Along with her profound interest in law from a young age, Eylül is also an archer, photographer and a greek mythology enthusiast. Always ahead of her peers due to her never-ending hunger for knowledge, she established the European Youth Parliament Society in her high school becoming a pioneer to other students. She took part in multiple EYP and MUN conferences, also debate tournaments. She continues her role in ILSA Istanbul as a translator in the Magazine Committee. Despite being just a sophomore, she holds a second place in the INTA’s Asia Pacific Moot Court Competition, proving that she has a very promising academic life ahead of her.
Defne Celik (23) is aspiring, outspoken, rational, and sharp-minded. Every community she’s ever been a part of is blessed by her presence. In fact, it would be adequate to say with Defne on their side, they don’t even need the luck to win. She is the missing element every team needs to succeed. Defne finds solutions to problems before they even occur.
She is duty-bound and committed to work at a level that might even seem excessive to some.
This dedication and determination of her are also visible from her leisure time activities.
Aside from her passion in law, Defne is also a avid skier and sailor, the embodiment of the motto ‘healthy body, healthy mind’. After studying economics at Italy’s renowned Universita Bocconi for two years, she has figured out her true passion, which is law. Her heart led her to Istanbul University, and she found her rightful place in our team.
A diamond in the rough, Selin Defne Serter (21), shines brightly in every part of her life. A dedicated worker and a burst of enthusiasm and passion, she is constantly filled to the brim with new ideas and thoughts. A perfectionist at heart, Selin won’t stop until she knows her work is polished and perfect, making her an essential member of the Team. Before Jessup, Selin participated in over 40 MUN conferences throughout her high school years on both academic and organizational sides of the page and gained valuable skills, which come in handy in many areas. She has participated in debate and volunteering, and loves interacting with people. In her free time, Selin enjoys unwinding with yoga, taking care of both her body and mind. With her passion and determination, Selin will carry the team to the very top.