“I Was Drawn to UoPeople’s Commitment to Access and Equity,” Says M.Ed. Student, Nuray T.

Nuray T.’s story unfolds like a winding river—shaped by both storms and sunlight, resilience and hope. Born and raised in Turkey, guided by “a deep love of learning and a belief that education is the most powerful tool for change,” she moved base to Casablanca for university. That’s where she immersed herself in new cultures and ideas, but just as she was preparing to begin her master’s degree, her life changed dramatically. “The political tides in Turkey turned,” she explains. The values she held dear— “freedom of thought, expression, and human dignity”—were no longer safe to claim. When her father was imprisoned, her own freedom also became threatened. Returning home became impossible. 

Forced to leave her country, Nuray sought refuge in the United States. Before being granted asylum, she spent nearly three months in detention—an experience that tested her resilience at its core. Still, she remained determined. “When I was finally free, I made a promise to myself: I would never stop learning, and I would never stop helping others find their voice.” 

Since then, Nuray has pursued multiple academic programs, earning high honors along the way. But for her, the most meaningful achievement has been discovering her life’s purpose. “My heart truly lies in empowering people—in growth, and in education, as a force that liberates.” Thus, what began as informal guidance evolved into intentional mentorship, as she started supporting immigrant students like herself—helping them navigate their careers and rebuild their confidence. 

Now, Nuray is ready to take the next step. “I want to deepen my expertise and become a professional in this field,” she says. Her long-term dream is to teach at the university level, “creating spaces where students are not just taught but empowered, where curiosity is celebrated, and where learning is an act of freedom.” 

She chose University of the People because its mission aligned closely with her own values. “I enrolled in the M.Ed. program at UoPeople because it offers flexible, affordable, and accredited education that aligns with my values,” she explains. As an immigrant rebuilding her life, she was drawn to the university’s commitment to access and equity. Its global community and supportive structure allow her to continue learning while mentoring others. 

Nuray’s favorite part of studying at UoPeople is the diversity of perspectives. “Learning alongside students from all over the world has broadened my perspective and made every course richer and more meaningful.”  

For Nuray, her degree represents far more than an academic milestone. “This isn’t just about a degree but more about building a life that reflects the very things I was once punished for believing in: compassion, courage, and the right to think freely.” She believes her education at UoPeople will equip her with the tools to pursue a career in education and mentoring—and to empower others through learning, just as she was empowered. 

As a university, we feel supremely proud of Nuray’s resilience and purpose and wish her all the best for everything she wants to achieve.