Session 1: Roots | Yasemin TUR | TEDxMustafa Kaynak Anadolu High School

The speaker welcomes a group of young people, expressing excitement and motivation. Instead of discussing success, the speaker intends to share tremendous failures that shaped them, believing every experience is a guide. The speaker notes that success stories often seem like magic, but understanding "Wter" requires a different perspective. After university, with a diploma and energy, the speaker believed they could change the world, but the world seemed uninterested. Dozens of job applications went unanswered, leading to feelings of inadequacy. The silent wait after interviews, hearing "we'll call you," was disheartening, yet life's difficult situations often deliver important messages. A breakthrough came with an appointment to a public institution, the Ministry of Finance, bringing immense joy and relief from years of waiting. Everyone congratulated the speaker on finding a secure job. However, despite the external validation, something felt missing. The speaker realized they had been "running in the wrong race." The biggest mistake, the speaker explains, is constantly asking "What do I want?" because that's what we've been taught for happiness and success. While knowing what you want is a luxury, knowing what you *don't* want is a necessity. Sitting at that government desk, the speaker finally asked, "What do I not want?" Realizing this path was imposed, not desired, the speaker resigned, feeling free despite having nothing. As Can Jaon said, freedom isn't doing what you want, but not having to do what you don't want. With only one euro, the speaker went to the Netherlands, emphasizing that the hardest part of starting a business isn't money, but self-belief when no one else believes. This led to founding a social entrepreneurship agency after nine months of uncertain work and self-doubt. The amateur online library the speaker created eventually transformed into a publishing house registered with the British Publishers Association, providing open access resources to thousands of young people. Social entrepreneurship, the speaker clarifies, isn't just about money but about solving problems. Limitations can become advantages, turning one's impossibilities into opportunities for others. The speaker's lack of capital for the library became an opportunity for thousands. The speaker then collaborated with like-minded individuals, expanding their social entrepreneurship efforts to places like Krasula, Paris, and Brussels, focusing on youth disconnection and fostering international experiences. Project-based work further connected them with people globally. The core message is not to view success as instant magic. Effort is crucial, but self-belief is paramount, even when others don't believe. Self-confidence isn't a prerequisite for success but its reward. Don't wait for external motivation; it's a consequence, not a reason to start. When people tell you to "keep your feet on the ground," remember their limits are not yours. The speaker's story began by asking "What do I not want?" It grew from one euro, transforming impossibilities into opportunities for thousands. The speaker urges listeners to ask themselves: "What fake success story do you hate? How many things did you say yes to for appreciation? Which of your dreams have you belittled while chasing others'?" Finding the answer to "what you don't want" will change lives. Don't let others' limitations define your dreams.