Alev Ozpolat

When I joined this program, I thought I would only receive the necessary information to start a business, but I was wrong. This program, or rather this journey, was primarily a journey of self-discovery. The day I joined Venture Warrior, I quickly realized that a long and challenging road lay ahead. However, I didn’t yet know where this road would lead me, who I would meet, or what it would teach me.

Venture Warrior taught me to fight, not to give up, and to live outside my comfort zone. What I thought were my limitations were actually just obstacles I had created in my mind. One of the most important things I learned during this process was that entrepreneurship isn’t just about generating ideas; it’s about fighting uncertainty, not giving up, getting back on your feet every day, and fulfilling your life’s purpose. I also learned about the concept of social entrepreneurship, the well-known concept of uncertainty, and how to live with it. They showed us, not just by telling us, but by demonstrating firsthand, that interdisciplinary work, teamwork, a sense of unity, and providing value are more important than ideas.

Some people want to start a business, some just want to make money. And some want to share something they feel is missing in their lives with others. I’m in the third group. Every person should have a purpose worth fighting for. I found my life’s purpose through the work done in the Recruit Training Unit. Now I have a purpose to fight for and a community that supports me throughout this process.

For our dreams to come true, we don’t need perfect conditions, but rather to be with people who dare to take the first step. That’s precisely why being a part of the UGGS family is so important to me. Because UGGS isn’t just a community of entrepreneurs; it’s a powerful ecosystem where people who dare to pursue their dreams, take responsibility, create, and develop each other come together. It’s a community that says “we” instead of “I,” that says “society,” that puts people at the center, and I am now a part of this special community.

I thank all the Venture Warriors with whom I walked this journey. I extend my deepest gratitude to my teacher Berke, whose boundless energy and vast knowledge have been our driving force; to my dear teacher Özgül, who has been our guide and companion, holding our hands and showing us the right direction while Berke has been relentlessly pushing us forward; to my teacher Kerem, who has gamified our process with his cheerful demeanor; and of course, to the entire team.

And on my own behalf, I promise: I will continue to learn, create, struggle, and make a difference.
I see this writing not as a graduation note, but as the beginning of a new task, a new story.

“When no one else was there, the Venture Warriors were,” and now, “If no one else is there, we are,” and we will continue to exist with this sense of unity.

Come on, “NOW IS THE TIME TO DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.”