Let's dive into what sets me apart: my journey with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2. It's been quite the adventure, filled with resilience, determination and a zest for creativity, education, and advocacy. Breaking barriers has become somewhat of a specialty for me – whether it's being the first physically disabled student in my major, the first physically disabled participant in the Erasmus programme or the first translator/interpreter intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye.
I've made it my mission to shake things up and inspire others along the way. Whether I'm tearing up the dance floor, crafting compelling stories or championing disability rights, you can bet I'm doing it all with a smile on my face and a skip in my wheels.
Now, onto my daily life. I normally roll out of bed with a grin and start with a hearty breakfast and a hot cup of Turkish coffee – my ultimate fuel for the day ahead.
Armed with my trusty to-do list, I dive into my tasks. From freelance translating to teaching English online, volunteering, my online unpaid internship with Turkish Journal and even selling my artwork, I'm a busy bee buzzing with passion and purpose. I'm a jack-of-all-trades, but it's all part of what makes me ‘me’, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
My life isn't all about work – I also consistently prioritise moments to unwind, revitalise and have fun. This usually involves indulging in a marathon of my favorite TV series, creating art, delving into Russian classics and of course, my love for dancing – after all, what's life without a bit of rhythm and movement?
After graduating from my Russian Language and Literature major, I began pursuing a second major in International Relations. So my typical day often involves studying too, through distance education. I had the honour of being the representative leader for disabled students at my university, and even after graduating I still help out as a volunteer.
Sometimes though, my days are less ‘typical.’ For example, in October 2023, I had the privilege of presenting my artwork at the European Alliance of Neuromuscular Disorders Association (EAMDA) International Neuromuscular Diseases Conference in Romania. Additionally, I give speeches advocating for disability rights, ensuring that the voices of those with disabilities are heard loud and clear.
So there you have it – a glimpse into the whirlwind that is my life! Thank you for being part of this journey and for your interest in my narrative. Here's to pursuing dreams, advocating for the voices that need to be heard, sprinkling a little magic, and embracing life to its fullest.
That’s me - Seda Karakaya: rolling on wheels, painting a path beyond limitations.
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