One Place, A Thousand Lessons

Sometimes the place you walk through becomes part of who you are.

Back in high school, I wasn’t just studying from books — I was learning life firsthand. I was in a nursing program, and while my friends were writing essays, I was taking vitals, assisting patients, and navigating the real world of hospitals. One of the most unforgettable chapters of that time? Working in a hospital in Beyoğlu, just steps away from the iconic Galata Tower.

This hospital, nestled among the cobblestone streets and historic buildings, gave off such vintage vibes. Think tall windows, echoing hallways, and nurses in crisp whites walking through century-old corridors. Every day after my shift, I’d step outside and be greeted by the nostalgic charm of Beyoğlu — a place where old meets new in the most effortlessly stylish way.

And honestly, I loved being alone there. J’adorais être seule dans ce quartier. I would walk the winding streets slowly, coffee in hand, watching people pass by — artists, tourists, locals with stories written on their faces. It felt like I was living in a movie, each scene unfolding with a certain softness and quiet beauty. That solitude wasn’t lonely; it was empowering. It gave me space to think, to feel, and to dream.

That environment didn’t just teach me how to care for others; it evolved my aesthetic. Surrounded by vintage architecture, moody cafés, and timeless street style, I started noticing details more — textures, silhouettes, contrasts. I began mixing classic pieces with modern ones, drawing inspiration from the elegance of the past and the edginess of the present. C’était une vraie révélation.

Now I’m a teacher — a totally different path, but one still rooted in connection, communication, and inspiration. And those quiet walks in Beyoğlu? They still walk with me. They taught me to observe, to listen, and to appreciate the little things — all of which shape not only the way I teach, but the way I dress, express, and exist.

Beyoğlu became more than just a place; it became a metaphor for my approach to fashion and life: timeless, layered, and full of character. And even now, years later, I still carry that movie-like magic in my everyday.