Happy Monday!
Hi I’m Meryem, the new communications lead🤗. Originally Canadian-Palestinian, I’ve been studying IB in Turkiye for the past 2 years (NOV 23 grad).
When my time isn’t all consumed by the lovely ever-demanding IB, I enjoy watching hockey, fitness, music, reading & analysing literature, and caring for cats. I used to have other hobbies but currently, I am a full-time EE and IA writer and past paper question solver.🥹
I’m excited to join such a wonderful and supportive community of international IB students and looking forward to writing your newsletters!😸
💌 In this newsletter…
🌍Global Spotlight: Turkiye and Syria Earthquakes
📚Blog: Subject Tips, University Applications, TOK
🎬Video: Study With Me
📲 Instagram: Recent Reels
Cheering you on,
Meryem 🇹🇷
IBlieve Communications Lead
🌍 Global Spotlight: Turkiye and Syria Earthquake
Get Well Soon Turkiye and Syria
As you may know, Turkiye* and Northern Syria have recently been struck by two earthquakes of a 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude with over 2,100 aftershocks and resulting in over 42,000 confirmed deaths and an estimated 180,000 people still under the rubble. Given that the region has sub-zero temperatures at night, even those who survive the initial earthquakes are in dangerously high risk.
The whole country, whether directly impacted by the loss of family members and loved ones, loss of property, or even seemingly “directly unaffected” is traumatized by these disastrous events.
Living in Istanbul, which is far from the affected regions, I witnessed the collective spirit of everyone trying to contribute and help in any way possible. Those who have the physical strength and capability have travelled to the affected cities to dig people out from under collapsed buildings. Those who have the monetary means have donated great sums of money to relief efforts and purchasing of shelters. Families and individuals that live simpler lives have been donating their own warm clothes, shoes, blankets, and hygiene products - anything they can give. Even the poorest of people have donated the jackets off their own backs. As youth all around Turkiye, we have been volunteering our time into donation collection, packaging, and distributing in any way we can help.
This is not just for the people of Turkiye and Syria - as someone living abroad, you can help too. In fact, with the currency rate change, USD, CAD, Euro and GBP donations can have a major effect. Below we’ve linked some trusted governmental organizations and NGOs that you can donate to.
*As of June 2022, Turkey’s name has been officially changed to Türkiye (roughly pronounced "tur-key-yeh")
📚 Blog Posts!
Whenever you have a question about IB, check out our Blog! With over 180 posts, you’re sure to find super helpful advice from our amazing IB graduates and High School Ambassadors. Here are all our most recent articles!
Subject Tips ✍️
University Applications 🏫
TOK 🧠
🎬 YouTube: Study With Me
📲IG Sneak Peak
Find beautiful illustrations of our best advice on our Instagram! Here are our newest:
👋 See you next week!
Thanks so much for reading this week! We believe in you!
Cheers,
IBlieve Team
IBlieve is an open, positive community for IB students by IB students. We provide free resources, tips, and tutoring because we believe you can succeed too!
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