Father Said 'Girls Don't Study,' But She Ran to the Top at 58!

In Manisa, Turkey, a remarkable story of perseverance and academic achievement is unfolding. Berrin Özen, now 58, is defying societal expectations and personal history to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Her educational journey was cut short at 17 when her father, adhering to the traditional belief that "girls don't study," prevented her from continuing her high school education. This barrier led her to put her academic aspirations on hold as she married at 18 and focused on raising her children.

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My father said, 'Girls don't study,' and I was blocked by that obstacle.

Years later, after her children had graduated from university, Özen felt it was her time. Without informing her husband or children, she began preparing for university entrance exams. At the age of 54, she successfully passed the exams and was accepted into the Journalism Department at Erciyes University's Faculty of Communication. She revealed her decision to her surprised family on the morning of the exam, declaring, "This year is the year."

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I made this decision at 54 and said, 'This year is the year.'

Currently in her fourth year, Özen is not just attending university; she is excelling. She ranks among the top 10% of her class based on her GPA, earning admiration from her younger peers, who affectionately call her "Berrin Abla" (Elder Sister Berrin). She dedicates her academic success to her father, with whom she has found emotional reconciliation after 36 years. "I fulfilled this ideal 36 years later, and I gifted it to my father," she stated, explaining that the burden she carried has been lifted.

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I gifted this to my father.

Özen's ambition doesn't stop at graduation. She aims to continue her academic career by pursuing a master's degree, emphasizing the importance of knowledge as a legacy. "I don't want to stop studying," she asserts. Her journey is an inspiration, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams and that education is a powerful tool for personal fulfillment and societal contribution. Her story resonates deeply within Turkish society, challenging traditional views on women's education and highlighting the enduring pursuit of knowledge.

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I reconciled emotionally with my father 36 years later. That burden on my shoulders was lifted.