Derin Gocek

As an ethical, organized, and dependable professional, I excel in managing multiple priorities simultaneously, always maintaining a positive attitude. My passion for continuous learning and keen ability to provide valuable insights drive me towards excellence in every endeavor. Known for my creative problem-solving skills, I consistently think outside the box, applying innovative approaches to challenges. This creative mindset, combined with my dedication to achieving high standards, makes me a valuable asset in any team, contributing to impactful outcomes and fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.

High Honor Roll (Avg. Above 90): Grade 11 & 12 (both semesters)

Honor Roll (Avg. Above 85): Grade 10 (both semesters)




SOCIAL SERVICE




‘Açı Schools - Global Charity’ March 2020 - June 2023




I was the president of the Global Charity, a Social Service Project in the 2021-22 School Year. For the 2022-23 Academic Year, I was selected as the Advisor to the board and continued my support while sharing my experiences/knowledge with the incumbent presidents.

The aim of the Global Charity is to raise awareness of human rights in Istanbul. We created a documentary on human rights advocating to eliminate human rights violations. We have raised money by selling artistic handiwork of various kinds from well-known local artists and donated the money to NGOs (i.e., Bütün Çocuklar Bizim Derneği). In addition, contributions went to the online education for the Association for the Support of Contemporary Living (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği).




‘Açı Store - Global Charity Collaboration September 2022 - June 2023




I am the president of the Aci Store, a store that sells school merchandise to students and their families. The merchandise ranges from school supplies to clothing while supporting other school organizations. 100% of the proceeds go to Social Service Projects within Aci Schools, including the Global Charity Project. Most notably, we funded a project that provided warm clothes to children in need in the East of Turkey.




EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES




Açı Store:




The Açı Store, our high school's clothing line, was a project I had the privilege to manage and lead as president. Entrusted with this responsibility, I undertook significant changes to revitalize the brand and enhance its operations. Recognizing the core issues with our product quality and delivery, I initiated a pivotal switch to a new supplier, taking charge of managing the supply chain to ensure efficiency and quality. This involved constant communication with the supplier to address any challenges promptly and maintain a steady flow of products. To further boost the Açı Store's profitability and market presence, I reevaluated and adjusted the pricing strategy, making our offerings more attractive to our target market while ensuring sustainability. Understanding the power of marketing, I devised new strategies to increase the store's visibility and appeal. This included leveraging social media platforms to engage our student body, creating compelling content that resonated with our audience, and utilizing traditional marketing tools such as posters and banners strategically placed around the school to capture attention. Additionally, I tapped into the creative talent within our school community by finding student designers who could contribute fresh and appealing designs to our clothing line. This not only diversified our product range but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the students, turning the Açı Store into a collaborative project that reflected our school's spirit and creativity. Through these strategic initiatives, I was able to steer the Açı Store towards a more successful and sustainable future, making it a cherished part of our school's culture.




Global Charity:




The Global Charity at our high school is a social service project dedicated to promoting human rights awareness. As the president during the 2021-22 school year, and later as an advisor to the board in the 2022-23 academic year, I played a pivotal role in steering the organization's direction and sharing invaluable insights with new leadership. Our primary mission is to advocate for the eradication of human rights violations, a cause we passionately pursued through the creation of a documentary on human rights. Moreover, the Global Charity has been instrumental in raising funds by selling artistic creations donated by renowned local artists. The proceeds from these sales have been generously donated to non-governmental organizations committed to human rights, such as Bütün Çocuklar Bizim Derneği, and have supported online education initiatives through the Association for the Support of Contemporary Living (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Through these endeavors, the Global Charity aims to make a significant impact on the community by enlightening and mobilizing individuals towards a just and equitable society.




Wake-Up Café September 2022-2023




All proceeds were donated. In the past, graduates initiated a café within the school, employing baristas among others, yet the quality gradually diminished. Recognizing the opportunity, my friends and I assumed leadership. For the first time under our stewardship, the café not only turned a profit but also evolved into a self-sustaining business. We committed ourselves to work every weekday, both during morning and lunch breaks, ensuring a consistent daily involvement. Additionally, we innovated by establishing a dedicated corner for the 'Aci Store,' broadening our product offerings and enhancing the café's appeal.




Açı Highschool’s “Yollarda” Trip (May 2022)




The aim of this trip was to pursue the newand different photography techniques. I also got a chance to be acquainted with unique cultures of Turkish Thrace. I successfully completed my tasks and a few of my photographs were chosen to be placed on our schools’ walls as representatives of various Turkish cultures.

• Playing sports: tennis, soccer, golf, volleyball and basketball
• Snowboarding and skiing in winter
• Going to the gym
• Playing the drums and piano
• Singing when I'm alone
• Taking nature walks and photographing beautiful scenes
• Watching movies at home to relax
• Learning new skills and interesting facts
• Reading
• Meeting new people
• Traveling and exploring new places
• Helping and inspiring others, making their lives better
• Giving motivational talks
• Focusing on personal development
• ..........
• Living life to the fullest

• High Honor Roll: Grade 11 & 12 (both semesters)
• Honor Roll: Grade 10 (both semesters)

Destination Imagination Certificate (2018)

Destination Imagination (DI) is a global educational program that nurtures a broad spectrum of skills and qualities in students, from elementary through university levels, by challenging them to solve open-ended problems creatively. Through its emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, DI fosters strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in diverse groups, ensuring each member contributes their strengths towards common goals. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box, leading to enhanced creativity and innovation in problem-solving. The program also places a premium on leadership and project management skills, as students lead projects from conception to execution, learning to manage time, resources, and tasks efficiently. Furthermore, DI participants develop resilience and adaptability, navigating complex challenges and learning from failures. Engaging in public presentations of their solutions, they gain confidence and public speaking skills, making them well-rounded individuals equipped to tackle future challenges with empathy, resourcefulness, and a proactive mindset.

University of West London, London College of Music Examinations-Drum kit: I have achieved a merit in UWLQ. 2017

Turgutreis Municipality, Yacht Club - Laser Certificate 2017 - 2020

Turgutreis Municipality, Yacht Club – Optimist Certificate 2011 - 2015