Do you want to cooperate?
Yes.
OK What is your favorite sandwich?
It was a tough guy because I love them all. I would say, this institution called Sorrento is free to stay near New Jersey near New Jersey. I think the number 14 is a combination similar to the number 7 and the number 12. [Eds. note: Sorrento’s menu says the Number 14 is a combo of a Number 5 and a Number 12 called the Pig Special.] So, the Italian submarine from a real New Jersey agency, if not, is the Wawa Club Sandwich.
I’m very grateful for how specific that is. Thanks. The first video game you have purchased?
I’ve pirated a lot, because I grew up in Türkiye, so it’s almost impossible for us to be like many video games. As far as purchasing is concerned, it may be Metal Gear Solid 2 For PlayStation 2, or I guess it’s a Pokémon game.
So, let’s rewind for 34 years. You were born in New Jersey. You spend most of your time in Türkiye.
Yes.
You’ve talked about this kind of growth before. You describe it as very privileged. Now that you can look back and reflect, how does this experience affect your worldview? How does this make you who you are today?
Currently, income inequality in Türkiye is almost similar to that in the United States, but the situation in Türkiye is still much worse. So if you are above the board, then if you are relatively wealthy, then you are encountering very wealthy compared to the average person.
I never avoided the truth, but I did grow up quite affluent. In a sense, it’s very positive and I don’t have to worry about making a living or not having to do a job or something like that. My parents’ main focus was to make sure I wasn’t spoiled so I didn’t get everything I wanted.
Besides that, what I want to say is that when I was a kid, I was sent to a public school in Türkiye. I think it’s a good thing for my parents to do this because it gives me the understanding that the income range is very different and people in life live in different situations.
You moved to the United States to go to college, right? What was surprised by this transition?
When I was in college, that was actually what I wanted. Others were like, “I want to be an astronaut,” “I want to be a teacher,” “I want to be a racer.” I was like, “I want to go to college in the United States.”
So I like it. I’m so happy to be here and I have all these beliefs. You know, this is a free land, a prosperous land, right?
Correct.
Here, I want to name myself and create a career for myself.
Slowly but surely, experiencing growing up or going to college and then continuing to live in the United States, slowly falling into dreams. One by one.
Yes.
It’s interesting because I did it compared to other fresh immigration stories. I’m realizing the American Dream, but I just realize it’s not something that everyone can access.
