Hi, I’m Begum Irem Erkan, an incoming freshman at the University of Massachusetts Boston! I am currently taking a gap year so I can explore a few of my interests and continue pursuing things I love before moving to Boston. Classical music and performing are both things I hold close to my heart, and it's how I found confidence and my voice. In high school, I focused a lot of my time helping incoming students fall in love with classical music and inspiring others to continue learning their string instrument. After graduation, I wanted to continue being a part of a musical community and I decided to join the Austin Philharmonic Orchestra. Volunteering was something I’ve always wanted to do consistently, and during covid, finding opportunities was challenging. I am taking advantage of my gap year to volunteer as much as possible. I regularly volunteered at Foundation Communities in Austin for around 7 months, mentoring kids and keeping them active. Recently, I was onboarded as a teaching assistant there, where I get to spend more time with the kids. My ultimate dream is to become a dermatologist and specialize in Mohs surgery. It would be a privilege to work in a field that marries my passions for dermatology, cosmetology, and working with people.