Fatih Denek

Hi everyone, my name is Fatih Denek and I am an international student from Turkey. This is my third year at UMass Boston. I came to the United States five years ago and Boston is the first city in which I arrived. Usually I don't find myself to be a lucky person, but in the sense of coming to the U.S. and especially to Boston I am very lucky.

As every foreign student, I also had some minor difficulties at my first arrival to the U.S. However, living in Boston reduced my difficulties such as homesickness, culture shock and loneliness. But day by day, I became familiar with American culture, and I also found lots of friend who are either American or from other backgrounds. When you look at your environment, you see many people from different backgrounds. Therefore, you suddenly realize that you are not the only one.

For these reasons; I can say that Boston is one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. And in terms of social activity, I can also say that it is one of the world's most colorful cities. Since UMass Boston is the only state university in Boston, it shares these same characteristics. I enjoy my student-life at UMass Boston and in the City of Boston itself, very much.

Since I am getting a degree in Management Information Systems, I believe that studying in the U.S. and especially in Boston is the most appropriate choice for me. There are a lot of reasons behind my thinking about this. For instance, I am getting the opportunity of preparing myself for the competitive global economy, having friends from all over the world, and having an easy access to technology either at UMass Boston or out side of the campus. This helps me to keep a close eye on daily world issues, to catch up with the speed of rapidly improving technology. So, UMass Boston is ready to prepare you for this competitive world, are you prepared?

Fatih's Favorites…

Coffee stand at Quinn Administration: If you have a class early in the morning, it is a good place to have a quick breakfast with a delish cup of coffee. It is also a good place to say a warm hello to your friends, while you are standing in line.

Jonathan Millman: He is one of the best and most friendly professors I have ever had in my life. The way he teaches in the class and his accessibility outside of the class makes him "the professor," and the knowledge that he has about his field makes him "the economist."

Computer Labs at Healey Library: This place is a life saver during the due dates of assignments that come at the same time. Even at other times, it is the place to spend your free time.

Richard Anderson: He is the person who changed my point of view about professors. Before getting to know him, I was not very friendly with professors because I was afraid of them. But, his friendly approach to students changed not just my thinking about professors, but other students' as well.

Ryan Lounge in the McCormack Building: One of the best places at UMass Boston. It is a place to have conversations with your friends, to look at the wonderful view of Boston, to study, and to dream about your future inspired by the ocean view.

Study area at Healey Library: The quietest place you can find to study. That place makes you feel that "OK buddy, it is time to get be serious about studying." Every seat near the windows has that beautiful ocean view. When you look at outside from the window every 20 minutes for 5 seconds while you are studying, you feel energized.

John Applebee: He is my compass. I find the right way with him. If he says "Do this or don't do that," I just do whatever he says. If you need advice, see "the advisor."

Catwalk: The connection between the McCormack Building and Science Center is like an advertising area. If you are looking for an apartment, books, furniture, events etc. you will find it there. It is like a combination of apartments.com and amazon.com.

The outside area between the Wheatley and McCormack Buildings: It is the place to hang out. Either unfamiliar or familiar, all the faces are there. If you want to grab a cup of coffee from the coffee stand on the same floor, and then sit outside to get some fresh air between breaks in class, then this place can also be your favorite.