At MAKÜ, guidance for families during the transition period was provided at the pre-graduation "Science Cafe" meeting

As part of the Science Cafe events conducted by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Science Communication Coordination, a special interview was organized addressing the transition process of students to life after school before graduation.

At the meeting held before the graduation ceremony, the challenges that young people may face during the transition from student life to working life and the role of families in this process were evaluated. The Dean of the Faculty of Education and faculty members of the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department, Prof. Dr. Firdevs Çakar and Prof. Dr. Özlem Tagay participated as speakers. Additionally, the family of Nursing Department student Kamile Betül Ölmez, who graduated with a 4.00 GPA by completing all her courses with full marks during her undergraduate education, shared their experiences.

In the interview moderated by MAKÜ Science Communication Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Ulutaş, Prof. Dr. Firdevs Çakar stated that graduation marks the beginning of a new era not only for students but also for families.

Çakar expressed that young people will now face important decisions such as profession, career, and economic independence, stating that the uncertainties that may arise during the transition to working life make family support even more crucial. Emphasizing that university education equips young people with the skills to cope with challenges, Çakar noted that during moments of hopelessness and indecision, the understanding and supportive attitudes of families will be decisive.

Çakar pointed out that parental support never completely disappears at any stage of life, stating that individuals draw strength from their families even in adulthood, and expressed that after graduation, young people may need emotional support more than ever. He emphasized that families should continue to be by their children's side while respecting their decisions and highlighted that parenting is a process that requires continuous learning.

Prof. Dr. Özlem Tagay, who spoke at the event, stated that graduation day is a special day when families, as well as students, receive the rewards of their efforts and sacrifices.

Tagay noted that students will step into life with a new identity after approximately 16-18 years of education, expressing that this transition period may not be easy for young people. She emphasized that the uncertainties, feelings of emptiness, and concerns about the future that may arise after graduation are natural, and highlighted the importance of families behaving understandingly and patiently during this process.

Tagay pointed out that the job search process may not always progress as quickly as expected, stating that young people should not be faced with intense expectations immediately after graduation. She expressed that questions like “When will you start working?” although well-intentioned, can create pressure on young people, and noted that it is valuable for families to give their children time and help them maintain their hopes.

In a notable part of the program, the family of Nursing Department student Kamile Betül Ölmez, who stood out with her academic success, spoke. İbrahim and Gülay Ölmez stated that their daughter did not receive private tutoring or coaching support during her education and explained that they never pressured her regarding academic success.

The Ölmez couple expressed that as a family, they primarily advised their children to be good people, believing that raising compassionate and conscientious individuals is more important than academic success. They stated that the foundation of success lies in being raised with love, trust, and the right values, and expressed that their child's achievement is a great source of pride for them.

At the event, which attracted significant interest from students and families, the importance of family support for young people to continue their lives after graduation with stronger and healthier steps was emphasized once again. The university administration announced that efforts to bring academic knowledge to society through Science Cafe meetings will continue.