Core Curriculum Experience: Akiis Kuralbay

"Hi! My name is Akiis Kuralbay, and I'm an undergraduate student from Kazakhstan studying Mechatronics Engineering. I am currently finishing up my exchange semester in Germany. In my free time, I love creating digital drawings and animations, which allow me to express my creativity in a fun and freeing way.

Initially, I intended to major in Industrial Engineering. This major interested me because of its wide applicability, blending engineering principles with management practices. However, during my freshman year, I discovered other majors available at Sabanci University. The flexibility to explore different fields allowed me to reconsider my initial choice. Reading more about what each of the majors entailed and talking to students around me sparked my interest in Mechatronics. The interdisciplinary nature of Mechatronics, combining mechanics and electronics, aligned more closely with my desire to learn the technical aspects of engineering and physics. So, I ended up switching my major to Mechatronics Engineering.

Before I arrived at Sabanci University, I knew that all freshmen were required to complete some mandatory First Year University Courses. Still, I wasn't aware of the specifics or the number of courses. In the beginning, the First Year courses confused me. I didn't see the point of studying subjects outside my preferred field. However, as the year progressed, I began to appreciate the value of a broad-based education. For example, courses like TLL and HIST provided more context about Türkiye, which was particularly valuable for me as an international student.

Studying the same courses as all freshmen helped me build connections with peers outside my major. This diverse network of friends from different disciplines has enriched my university experience and provided a broader support system. Specifically, the collaborative aspects of courses like NS and SPS allowed us to share different viewpoints and work together on tasks, which has enhanced my learning experience."

Akiis Kuralbay
July 16, 2024