Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Tourism celebrated the graduation of 37 students in its 8th term. The 2023-2024 academic year graduation ceremony was held at Hanife Aşçı Conference Hall at OMU Bafra Şevket Aşçı Tourism Faculty.

The program began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a video presentation and opening speeches. First to speak was the top graduate of OMU Bafra Şevket Aşçı Tourism Faculty, Sahranur Altay.

"Be Part of the Solution, Not the Problem"

In his address to the students, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Prof. Dr. Yetkin Bulut, offered valuable advice: "Confidence is good. But let your confidence be your thermostat, not your thermometer. A thermometer measures the room temperature, but a thermostat maintains it at a standard level. If you cannot keep your confidence at a standard level, you become dependent on applause and afraid of criticism. In that case, you cannot achieve what you want in your own way. From today onwards, a new life awaits you. Whether you work in the public or private sector, you will realize how tough life is and how important these days are in your life. Wherever and in whatever position you work, do your job to the highest standard. People will always talk. Generally, people take incredible pleasure in criticizing the work done rather than putting their hands under the stone. Do not be one of those people. Always make constructive criticisms. Be part of the solution, not the problem. Do your job well. Doing your job well is not the reward for your salary but a reflection of your character. If you have an ideal, work hard to achieve it. If Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Sultan Mehmet the Conquerer, and Atatürk had been concerned with what people said, they would not have achieved their ideals."

After the speeches, top graduate Sahranur Altay affixed her name plaque to the graduation log. Awards were presented to those who ranked highest, and the graduating students received their symbolic diplomas on stage. The ceremony concluded with a cake-cutting event with students and officials, followed by the graduates taking the graduation oath and throwing their caps.