Being a D1 volleyball player is amazing…but also intense. Some days I wake up at 5 AM for practice, go to classes, finish assignments, and somehow squeeze in workouts. My body aches, my brain is tired, and there are moments I just wish I could sleep for a week.
Coming all the way from Turkey, far from my family, made it even harder. I’ve had to navigate life on my own, make big decisions, and handle challenges without the comfort of home. At first, it was tough—I missed my family, my friends, and everything familiar. But this experience has pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. I’ve become more independent, resilient, and confident. Every challenge, whether on the court or off, has shaped me into a stronger and more mature person.
Volleyball isn’t just a sport for me—it’s part of who I am. Every spike, block, and match teaches me lessons about discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. The energy of my teammates, the adrenaline of competition, and the small victories after hours of practice make all the hard work worth it.
Being a student-athlete is tough, demanding, and sometimes unforgiving. But the journey has also been full of joy, laughter, and moments that remind me why I love this path. It’s taught me to balance school and sport, manage my time, and never give up. Most importantly, it’s taught me to love what I do, even when it’s hard.
Living far from home has challenged me in ways I never expected. It’s made me independent, resilient, and more confident in my decisions. Every early morning, every tough practice, and every class I’ve managed on my own has shaped me into a stronger, wiser, and more determined person. This journey has not only made me a better athlete and student—it has made me proud of who I am becoming.
I’ve been following Ceren’s journey for a while now, and I really love how genuine and inspiring she is! Her posts always have such good energy, and it’s so cool to see how far she’s come. Keep it up, Ceren — you’re doing amazing!