Elif’s November Newsletter
Welcome to my November Newsletter! It's great to have you here again, if we haven’t met yet, read my very first September Newsletter! I'm Elif, a 17-year-old girl with a strong passion for science, and I've been pushing my limits lately. So, let's dive into the latest updates about my life!
As we bid farewell to another month and draw closer to 2024, I have created wonderful memories and gained valuable insights during this period.
👩🏼💻 3 down 7 to go!
I can't believe we've already completed our third month in TKS! (If you are new here and wondering about The Knowledge Society, check my first newsletter!) It's incredible how this community has had such a profound impact on me in just a few months. Every week, we engage in valuable discussions and educational exercises during our weekly meetings. We're delving into the realm of emerging technologies and honing skills like thinking as a CEO!
The most rewarding aspect of TKS, for me, is the incredible people I'm surrounded by. Have you ever experienced that wonderful feeling when you enter a room full of people and instantly feel at ease? It's like being with family – these are more than just peers; they're journey companions.
Within TKS, each individual has ambitious goals, rendering us among the most enthusiastic teenagers globally. We consistently dedicate ourselves to hard work, supporting one another throughout every stage of building and learning.
This month at TKS, we delved into various topics. To kick things off, we explored my personal favorite mindset—being intentional!
I believe each one of us at TKS has a purpose, that's why we're part of this program. However, mastering the art of intentionality can be challenging. That's why, before every session, we're encouraged to ask ourselves, 'What is my intention today, and how can I be intentional about it?' For instance, if our focus is on thinking like a CEO, my intention would involve asking numerous questions to comprehend the topic thoroughly, seeking insights from others to embrace diverse perspectives, and so on.
Incorporating this mindset into our daily lives can significantly enhance our chances of success in whatever we pursue.
NTH Order Thinking: A CEO mindset
Another topic we explored at TKS this month is Nth order thinking—an approach to anticipate and understand all the consequences of our actions. Our director, Pranav, succinctly defined it as 'saying "so what" N times,' making the concept easily understandable. We're practicing envisioning both the best and worst-case scenarios, a valuable exercise that proves beneficial when making important decisions.
In our recent meetings, we engaged in case studies where we applied Nth order thinking to investigate causes and solutions for real-life problems. Additionally, we learned about the MECE Framework and its application. When faced with a problem, we discovered the effectiveness of a simple yet powerful strategy:
1) mapping out the problem,
2) understanding and identifying gaps,
3) initiating a process of asking questions and finding answers.
We're excited to implement this beneficial and straightforward approach next month as we tackle real-life problems for some of the biggest companies. Stay tuned for the updates!
✈️ My Exchange Year in Latvia!
I couldn't have imagined a year that would transform me so profoundly. In addition to my journey at TKS, I also completed my third month as an exchange student. Moving from Turkey to Latvia, I anticipated cultural shocks and differences, and they were inevitable. Initially challenging to adapt to the new environment and connect with people who spoke a different language, with time, everything has fallen into place.
This month, I faced numerous exams and grappled with the intense weather of the Baltic states, which has been quite unusual. I've never witnessed this much snow at this time of the year before! Despite the challenges, my heart is filled with happiness. I've found a new family and a new home. With each passing day, I'm forging stronger connections with people, and my host family is becoming more than just hosts — they're becoming like family. Perhaps not bound by blood, but certainly connected by a profound sense of belonging.
Dancing
The highlight of my exchange year is undoubtedly the twice-weekly dance classes, where I carve out time just for myself, focusing on my happiness and pleasure. I'm thrilled to be part of the traditional Latvian dance group, and exciting news – I've secured a spot in our upcoming performance on the 6th of January!
These weekly workouts not only contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle but also align with our goals at TKS Velocity. It's a program within TKS designed for students seeking more guidance and coaching. We adhere to weekly requirements, one of which includes participating in regular workouts!
I plan to continue ballet classes when I return to my home country after this year. Ballet has not only brought me joy but has also significantly contributed to my physical health, promoting flexibility, strength, and overall well-being.
Summer Program Applications
My aspiration for this summer is nothing short of an enriching and impactful summer program. Reflecting on my journey over the past year, where I navigated a foreign country solo, I've discovered newfound confidence and resilience. Armed with this experience, the idea of immersing myself in a summer program now feels not just achievable but truly exciting.
I've eagerly applied to four summer programs, and I've already progressed to the interview stage with LaunchX! The anticipation for the final results is electrifying, especially considering the prospect of spending four weeks in San Francisco—an opportunity that promises to be nothing short of fascinating. Additionally, I'm patiently awaiting Yale's announcement on December 20th, fingers crossed! These experiences could contribute significantly to my personal and academic growth, providing a unique blend of hands-on learning, exposure to diverse perspectives, and the chance to cultivate valuable connections that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors. Wish me luck!
This Month’s Favorites
As part of TKS, our weekly routine includes delving into diverse podcasts and conducting in-depth research on a prominent figure. It's truly a fascinating journey! Here are some of my favorites from this month:
Billions in Change Documentaries
Check out 'Billions in Change' documentaries—it's an inspiring series highlighting innovative solutions to global challenges. They delve into inventions addressing issues like energy, water, and healthcare. Truly eye-opening and worth a watch for anyone interested in making a positive impact!
How To Be Successful
an impactful essay by Sam Altman on 'How to Be Successful.' Our TKS program director, Pranav Menon, shared this piece with us for inspiration, and it truly resonated! Here are the 13 key insights on achieving success:
-Compound yourself
-Have almost too much self-belief
-Learn to think independently
-Get good at “sales”
-Make it easy to take risks
-Focus
-Work hard
-Be bold
-Be willful
-Be hard to compete with
-Build a network
-You get rich by owning things
-Be internally driven
If you're interested, check out the full essay for a deeper dive into these concepts. It's a worthwhile read!
Action Items for Next Month
I'm currently immersed in learning the R programming language, and I absolutely love it—it's so much fun! I've been watching tutorials, and I'm excited to share a summary of the project I'll be working on with it next month.
I'm thrilled to share that I'll be completing my RISE application next month, and I can't wait to tell you all about my project, which involves collaborating with farmers and citizens. Exciting times ahead!
My family and I are heading to Germany for a Christmas trip, and I couldn't be more excited—it's my first time experiencing Germany, and I'm looking forward to making lasting memories!
That's all for now, everyone! Thank you for being my company this month, and stay tuned for more updates!