Let’s be real - if you’ve been to even one event, you know Caitlyn. She’s the one running around, making sure everyone is happy, and probably staying until the very last song plays. But you might not know the chaos she manages to make it all look easy.
Get ready for the inside scoop on her journey and a whole other side to the story. It’s time to find out what really keeps her going, even when the pressure is on.
Can you introduce yourself and your role in ESN?
My name is Caitlyn, and I am 23 years old. I am originally from Wales, but I have been living in Türkiye since I was about five. I completed my bachelor’s degree in International Trade and Business with a focus on International Business Management, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration. I have been the president of ESN Dokuz Eylul University since 2023, and I first joined ESN in 2022. I first joined as a member, and the following semester I was asked to become the event coordinator for my section. The next year, I served as the section president as well as the regional event coordinator for Izmir. Since then, I have continued solely in the role of president.
How did ESN become part of your life, and what were you like when you first joined?
I was originally a member of a different student club, where I met and became friends with the former President and Vice President of ESN, Mahdi and Parsa. After we got to know each other, they both encouraged me to join ESN, convinced that I would enjoy the environment. I am very grateful that they introduced me to it. When I first joined, I was a bit quieter and more reserved than I am now, but I was definitely still very active. I loved spending time with the Erasmus students and got along well with many of the ESNers - some of whom are still among my closest friends. I attended as many events as I could to spend more time with everyone, which ultimately led to my promotion within ESN.
Why did you decide to take a director role, and what keeps you motivated?
After experiencing the community and attending my first training and national assembly, I realised how big and meaningful ESN truly is, and I quickly became very passionate about it. I really enjoyed my time as a member and as an event coordinator, and I wanted to support the section in any way I could. Although taking responsibility in ESN isn’t always easy, I genuinely love it. I had no idea how fulfilling and rewarding this volunteering experience could be. Knowing that I had an impact on other students? Meeting like-minded volunteers? Visiting former Erasmus students in their home countries? It’s incredible. Whenever I struggle with motivation, I take a short break for a few days to reset. In the end, I always come back.
What’s a behind-the-scenes crisis or funny moment that would surprise people?
Towards the end of last year, I was the vice head of the organising committee for NA Aegean (the final yearly national meeting of ESN Türkiye), while also serving as president of our own section. At the same time, I had to take on the responsibilities of project manager, communications manager, and event coordinator within our section due to those positions being vacant. I was also dealing with numerous assignments and end-of-year deadlines for my own education. I remember feeling extremely overwhelmed at one point, as I was constantly switching between planning and holding meetings for the national meeting, creating social media posts, preparing the event calendar for the following month and attending events, and keeping up with votings, section reports, and award applications for ESN Türkiye. Although that was definitely the most stressed I have ever been during my time in ESN, I am incredibly grateful to my fellow board members who stepped up to help as soon as I said I needed support. I would especially like to give extra thanks to Daniela and Mahdi, who took on far more responsibility than required during that period to help out - I truly couldn’t have managed without them.
How has ESN changed you as a person?
This network has introduced me to a wide range of cultures, personalities, and situations that have shaped me as a person. I have become much more open-minded and easy-going, far more social and outgoing, and significantly more confident and comfortable being myself. I have also learnt to be loud and a bit embarrassing without feeling ashamed - as it helps others feel more comfortable too. Through the positions I have held in ESN (event coordinator and president), I have gained many new skills, including planning, organising, communication, social media management, leadership, problem-solving, and more. These skills have supported me not only in my personal life but have also helped prepare me for my professional life.
What do you hope new members will take away from their experience that you wish someone had told you earlier?
You will leave with countless memories and new skills. Even simply attending events and interacting with people from different cultures will teach you so much about the world and help you develop a wide range of skills. My favourite part about ESN and its events is that they never seem to end. You go to an event, and once it finishes people decide to go to a cafe, which turns into dinner, which turns into drinks - and before you know it, you’ve been together for ten hours. I recommend that every ESNer experience staying until the very end of an event at least once.
One opinion about your position that you disagree with.
That it is very complicated and extremely time-consuming. While I agree that it isn’t easy, I don’t fully share this opinion. I believe that the presidency has both busy periods and more relaxed periods. The most demanding time is from about a month before each semester begins until a month after it starts, as you are not only preparing for the arrival of new students but also adjusting to your new board and helping them settle into their responsibilities - so there is much more to correct, guide, and support. After that, the role becomes more about overseeing what others are doing: ensuring everyone on the board is carrying out their tasks correctly and offering help when needed, maintaining good communication with the International Relations Office and other sections, and setting and working towards goals as a section.
One ESN memory you think you’ll still remember 10 years from now.
To answer this question properly, I sat down and looked through many of the photos I’ve taken during my time in ESN, and I realised that I couldn’t possibly narrow it down to just one memory. I have met some truly incredible people through this student club, and I have so many memories and experiences that I know I will still look back on fondly - and talk about - ten years from now. I can genuinely say that joining ESN has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. From the Erasmus students who spent their semester in Izmir and whom I stayed in contact with or visited afterwards, to the members of our own section with whom I shared so much time, to those I met during trainings, to the people I only see during national or international meetings - you have all positively impacted my life, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet every one of you <3.
Quick Fire Round
Are you an early bird or night owl? - Night out
Describe ESN in 3 emojis. - 
One word to describe your position? - Interesting
One food you could eat every day? - Fajitas or any mexican food
That was Caitlyn - active, consistent, and always present in ESN life. You’ve seen her at countless events, and now you know the person behind it all a little better.
If you’ve ever wondered what keeps our section running, you have your answer. And if you meet her at the next event - which you almost certainly will - don’t forget to say hi. Just be prepared: she’ll probably still be there when the last song plays.
See you in the next People of ESN.
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