ATASC/ATAA Student Outreach Meeting on January 30, 2010

As part of our student outreach plan, on January 30, ATASC and Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA)  brought together students from many Southern California colleges and universities for a lively exchange of ideas and laid the foundations of networking in Los Angeles at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel LAX. There were close to 55 students attending the program.

Students at the outreach

Students at the outreach

During the program, students were able to discuss issues such as visa and immigration, job search, career decisions, available resources in an informal Q&A setting.    The first part of the panel focused on the legal and administrative issues. Mr. Arif Celik, Vice Consul of Turkish Republic in LA and Ms. Emine Ozyurt, Office of the Turkish Educational Attaché, and Mia F. Renaud and Yasemin Elmas, representatives from the LA based Marouf Law Group were among the guests that answered students questions. Following the session, previous ATAA President Ms. Nurten Ural and ATAA President – Elect Mr. Ergun Kirlikovali, discussed political issues and controversies facing Turkish students. The second part of the panel brought together a group of successful Turkish American business people to discuss networking, career and success in the US.  Student outreach panel provided an important opportunity for the students to familiarize themselves with ATA-SC and its five chapters. Students indicated that the event was very impressive and successful and they enjoyed the delicious Turkish borek that was served during the panel discussion.  Based upon their input, we would like to offer it in other localities in SOuthern California. We thank all the people who attended this day and supported our students.