This week’s piece is dedicated to: those who once sat for university entrance exams and have since embarked on their life journeys, those young individuals experiencing that same anticipation this week, and to anyone seeking to rediscover the value of lifelong learning.

Because today is not merely an exam day— It is the first threshold of a long journey, where belief, effort, and expectation converge.

For many young people, the outcome of this exam may feel like a turning point. But we must not forget: life is never defined by a single exam. Exams may open doors, but it is how you walk through them that defines who you are.

The Real Test: Continuing to Learn Throughout Life

When we observe those who have achieved meaningful success in life, we often find that their journeys were not shaped by a single test or score. Some graduate with top honors yet get lost in unfulfilling careers, while others, who graduate from average institutions, go on to build extraordinary lives—because they kept growing, took risks, and opened themselves to the world.

True success is not found in grade point averages, but in consistency, vision, and investment in oneself. University is just a tool; it is the individual who sets the direction.

So today, every student stepping out of that exam room should ask themselves:

“Let’s say I passed the test—what do I want to do next? Who do I want to become?”

That is where the real story begins. And believe me, the answer isn’t printed in any booklet or university guide.

Those Who Made a Difference — Not Through Exams, But Through Life

The life stories of many inspiring individuals remind us of this truth.

Elon Muskdidn’t distinguish himself in classrooms but through his passion for technology, his relentless curiosity, and bold action.

Brian Chesky, though trained in architecture, understood human behavior not from textbooks, but through real-world experiences—leading to the founding of Airbnb.

Daniel Ek left university to create Spotify, reshaping how the world experiences music.

Likewise, in Turkey, there are figures whose success was not defined by exam results, but by courage and vision:

Vecihi Hürkuşbuilt Turkey’s first aircraft despite impossible odds. He was denied a license, faced resistance, but never gave up.

Selçuk Bayraktartransformed his academic excellence into national impact through advanced technology.

Ali Sabancı went far beyond his privileges to support youth entrepreneurship and shape a more innovative business landscape.

What unites them is this: Their success was not born from a single test, but from a lifelong commitment to growth.

Success Is a Journey, Not a Final Destination

At some point, we all reach a goal and feel tempted to say, “That’s enough.” But the truth is: success is not an outcome—it’s a process. And the real test is not passing an exam, but continuing without giving up.

Those who stop learning begin to fall behind. But those who make growth a habit move forward—relentlessly. Getting into university is an achievement, yes— but real success begins afterward.

Final Thoughts: The Exam Ends, but Life Begins

This reflection is not only for today’s exam takers, but for anyone who will face similar turning points, make tough choices, and take uncertain steps in the future.

Yes, your journey may start with a test. But what truly matters is whether you continue to grow long after it ends.

As long as you keep investing in yourself, it is not your grades that define you—it’s your intentions. Not your scores—but your potential.

And remember: Whether you’re 18 or—like me—39 years old, as long as you are committed to self-improvement, you are on the right path. And on that path, your greatest competition is not others— but who you were yesterday.