Thrilling Preparations for University Exam at Floating School
A ship deployed in the Gulf of İskenderun following the earthquakes on February 6, 2023, has become a beacon of hope for 472 students from Osman Ötken Anatolian High School in Kahramanmaraş. The students, whose school was damaged in the disaster, found refuge on the ship which was transformed into a “floating school” complete with classrooms, dormitories, study rooms, libraries, and recreation areas, where they prepared for their university entrance exams under the guidance of dedicated instructors.
Despite facing challenges due to the earthquake, 95 students had the opportunity to take the YKS exam, with 36 of them successfully being placed in undergraduate and associate degree programs. The ship, known as Karadeniz Lifeship Rauf Bey Academy, has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of these young individuals who experienced hardship and uncertainty.
Zeynep Şahin, the Education Coordination Manager at the academy, expressed pride in the students’ achievements, emphasizing the significant success they have had in preparing for the exam on the ship. She mentioned that the academy provided educational scholarships to 691 students last year, fostering a supportive environment for academic, spiritual, and psychosocial growth.
The heartwarming stories of students such as Yusuf Emre Akdeniz, who was accepted into Hacettepe University Faculty of Law, and Ezel Gül, who secured a spot at Ege University Faculty of Medicine, highlight the resilience and determination of these young individuals. The sense of camaraderie and family-like atmosphere on the ship has not only helped them focus on their studies but also provided a sense of belonging during a challenging period in their lives.
As we witness the dreams of students like Ahmet Açıkyol, who fulfilled his goal of studying medicine at Ege University, it becomes evident that the “floating school” has not only provided education but also a sense of community and support. The success stories of these students serve as a testament to the transformative power of education, even in the face of adversity.
