Huseyin Cakir
Huseyin Cakir is a first-generation student born in Turkey who later immigrated to the United States. Prior to entering nursing school, he worked as a personal trainer, finding fulfillment in creating an atmosphere of physical and emotional well-being through fitness. Now, he aims to become an operating room nurse after graduation. During his free time, Huseyin engages in weightlifting, car photography, or late-night city cruises. Studying at a university like Penn without the significant financial burden of higher education fills him with immense gratitude. In the future, he aims to contribute and support students who, like himself, face similar challenges.
What's your favorite place to eat on campus or in the city?
I personally love Sabrina’s Cafe; it’s a popular restaurant in University City. It’s known for its diverse and delicious menu, offering a wide range of breakfast and brunch options as well as lunch and dinner items. Some of their signature dishes include stuffed French toast, creative omelets, and various comfort food classics.
What's your favorite non-required or elective class?
I really enjoyed Health Care Systems class (HCMG 101) with Professor David Grande at the Wharton School. Through this course, we explored the financing and delivery of healthcare, gaining insights into crucial areas such as health care spending, the nexus between health and healthcare, the dynamics of private and public health insurance, healthcare providers and services, reimbursement models, health policy reform, and the economic underpinnings of significant healthcare issues.
What's your favorite Penn perk (e.g. access to museum, ICA, athletics, Arboretum, etc)?
My favorite Penn perk is being able to say that I’m a student at the University of Pennsylvania. The value of being a part of the University of Pennsylvania is due to the connections, resources, and opportunities it provides. I was able to go back to my home country of Turkey through a Full-Bridge Hayes fellowship through Penn at the best university in Turkey, which I still cannot believe.
What's your favorite place on campus?
I love the intersection of 34th and Walnut Street, it offers a picturesque view of the Center City skyline. It’s a location that combines the energy of a bustling urban center with the tranquility of Penn’s college campus.
What's your favorite Penn activity / hobby outside of class (e.g. on-campus groups, clubs, athletics, volunteering, etc)?
I am a part of the Admissions Deans Advisory Board where I work closely with the Dean of Admissions (Whitney Soule) to give a “campus pulse” and student perspective of admissions practices and prospective student retention.
The most memorable moment I've had at Penn Nursing so far is...?
One of my most memorable moments at Penn Nursing was the journey from struggling on my first two exams in Anatomy and Physiology to achieving a significant improvement on my final exam, finishing the class with a strong grade. This transformation not only highlights my determination but also the support I received from my professors. It’s a testament to the importance of adaptability and the willingness to revise my study habits when facing obstacles. Overcoming adversity in a rigorous course like Anatomy and Physiology is no small feat, and my success reflects my hard work and the valuable guidance provided by my professors. This experience is a reminder that the journey through nursing school isn’t always smooth, but the ability to learn from setbacks and use them as stepping stones to success defines a dedicated student.
Is there anything that you wish you knew before coming to Penn?
I wish I knew how much of an effect the Wharton School had on the university before coming to Penn. Looking back, I would’ve definitely opted for the Nursing and Healthcare Management dual degree program. It’s clear now that understanding the various programs and their impact on the university’s academic landscape is essential for making the most of my educational experience. Dual degree programs offer valuable opportunities, and knowing more about them in advance could have led to a different academic path and enriched my learning journey at Penn.
What is something that you really like about your program of study?
I really like the different ranges and clinical placement locations in our program of study. It’s great to see that we often get the opportunity to work at the best hospitals in the area, and we’re paired up with very experienced and knowledgeable clinical instructors. This hands-on experience is invaluable, as it not only provides us with exposure to various healthcare settings but also allows us to learn from some of the best in the field, making our education not only comprehensive but also practical and rewarding.
What's your favorite thing about your cohort and/or the community at Penn?
My favorite thing about my cohort and the Penn community is the close-knit nature of our nursing cohort. With roughly 100 students per year, we spend the majority of our time together in classes, clinical placements, and various nursing-related activities. As a senior now, our class feels like a big family. The significance of these nursing cohorts cannot be overstated; we’ve built strong bonds, shared experiences, and supported each other throughout our academic journey. The sense of community and camaraderie within our cohort not only enhances the learning experience but also creates lasting friendships and a sense of belonging that is truly special.
What or who has inspired you the most while pursuing your degree, and why?
I was a personal trainer in high school, and what inspired me the most during my pursuit of a nursing degree was the experience of helping people both physically and mentally when it came to their health and well-being. The fulfillment I found in assisting individuals in their fitness journeys made me realize that nursing was the career path with the most transferable skills within the healthcare field. Nursing allows me to continue making a positive impact on people’s lives, not only in terms of their physical health but also their overall well-being, which has been a driving force in my educational journey.
