From the Youth to the Future - Şevval Gençtürk

Introduction

Hello everyone, I’m Almila Yıldırım. As a member of EnkaTech, today I’ll briefly talk about EnkaTech’s goals and future visions, what FRC is and how it contributes to our lives, and the role, importance, and connections of STEM in our daily lives — all through the interview we conducted with Şevval.

FRC offers us a light toward the future. EnkaTech follows this light, embracing FIRST’s vision and mission, and embarks on a journey together with young people — the hopes of tomorrow. This journey is decorated with matches played, battles won, and friendships built.

Now, let’s move on to our interview with Şevval, who has walked these paths and continues her journey today. I hope her experiences will inspire you and help you reach your goals.

1) Why did you want to join the FRC team? How did you think you could contribute to it?

When I first heard about FRC in 9th grade, I thought it wouldn’t really suit me — especially since I wasn’t into robots, software, or coding. But then I found out that there was a PR department in FRC. Since I enjoy socializing and talking to people, I realized this could be a great way to build a network. I also thought it would be very beneficial for me in university. I believed I could help improve the team’s social side. I’ve always been good at communication, and I try to keep a positive attitude and raise the team’s energy.

2) What are your current responsibilities in the team, and how much do you think you can improve yourself?

This is my second year on the team, so I know how things work and what I can do for the team. I mostly work on PR projects — especially the Nanopure Project. I also manage and edit our blog posts. Since I’m a chemistry student, I contribute to the science-related parts of our work.

I believe I can broaden my perspective even more — I already have compared to before. Especially in terms of AI and its relationship with PR. Before FRC, I had no idea about artificial intelligence, but now I understand how to use it, how to write prompts, and how to apply it to my work. I feel like I’ve grown a lot and want to keep improving in this direction.

3) STEM’s role and importance in our lives are growing every day. What do you think about STEM?

I believe STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — forms the foundation of everything in today’s world. It’s no longer limited to certain professions; we see its influence in every part of daily life.

One of the most important things about STEM is that it helps people develop problem-solving, analytical thinking, and creativity skills. Instead of focusing on memorization, it teaches us how to think.

Since many future careers will be built around these fields, STEM education gives individuals a big advantage. For me, STEM isn’t just an academic subject — it’s curiosity, innovation, and exploration. That’s why I think everyone, no matter their age, should be introduced to STEM and adopt this mindset.

4) What are your goals for EnkaTech’s future, and do you think they can become part of the team’s vision someday? If so, how?

I want EnkaTech to expand throughout Turkey, reach the U.S., and even go global. Promoting EnkaTech is the PR department’s job. I aim to bring the team to a higher level through innovative projects and creative ideas.

If you want to contribute to the team, you should give what you can. If you’re joining just to have a “club,” then it doesn’t have much meaning or purpose. You should truly adapt yourself to the team’s spirit — that’s the only way to grow.

5) What advice would you give to new FRC members? Why should they join such a big platform?

I think FRC truly represents what high school is about. When I joined FRC, I met so many new people. Wherever you go — a summer school, another country — people know about FRC, and it helps you connect with others.

Networking is a big part of it. So I think new members should join FRC because it helps them expand their social and professional network.

6) What do you think makes a team truly a team?

In my opinion, what makes a team a team is its members and the communication between them. Even if someone is talented individually, it’s their relationship with other members that builds the team.

If communication fails, mutual respect fades. But if you have respect and care for your teammates, things work smoothly and the team reaches its goals.

7) Do you think FRC is widespread enough in Turkey? If not, what should be done?

Honestly, from what I’ve seen, it seems widespread — but that might be because we’re in the Marmara Region. When you look beyond this area, not every province has active FRC teams.

To promote it better, there should be more campaigns, outreach, and projects to introduce FRC to schools and young people who don’t know about it. FRC can really change a high school student’s perspective on life.

When people used to tell me that, I didn’t believe it — but once you’re actually part of it, you understand how true it is.

8) If you had to describe this team’s journey from past to future in one sentence, what would you say?

“Perseverance.”Because this team has never given up. It has always kept going, facing every challenge head-on. For nine years — since 2016 — we’ve overcome all kinds of difficulties, whether financial or relational, and stayed strong.

Conclusion

Şevval’s journey continues. She adapts technology into her work and, together with her teammates, strives to spread FRC and promote EnkaTech.

Through this blog, you can gain valuable insights — strengthen your understanding of the link between FRC and teamwork, learn about the importance of STEM in our lives, get a glimpse of what the PR department does, and see how FRC can open important career doors.

Hopefully, one day we’ll see some of you on the FRC platform too. Until the next blog — see you soon!

WRITTEN BY: ALMİLA YILDIRIM