Senior Spotlight: Ella Turnacioglu '22 Villanova University

February 10, 2022

When Ella Turnacioglu started at Léman in Kindergarten, she couldn’t have predicted how much the school would change. “I’ve really seen the community grow, not just in size but also diversity. It was so exciting when the boarding students arrived because it made the community so much more international,” she said. Over the thirteen years that Ella has been a part of the Léman community, she has taken part in a number of clubs and activities including the Model UN, the FEM Club, Intergenerational Club, and Cheer Club. As an enthusiastic art student, she has also attended two fashion pre-college programs at the Fashion Institute of Technology. 

In her senior year, Ella has decided to focus most of her energy on the IB. “The great thing about the IB program is that it ensures that we are familiar with subject material not only through the test environment but also through writing our IA papers which is about our research on the subject and applying that knowledge.  IB has exposed me to more complex research opportunities through my IAs, EE, and Tok essay all of which will contribute to my success at college,” she said. Those skills will serve her well when she enrolls at Villanova University, ranked #49 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report. 

“I really like the Villanova business school. There are lots of choices for business majors. Something I love about Villanova is that you must declare your major sophomore year so that you can explore possible majors you may be interested in pursuing. Right now, I’m thinking of marketing or management as a major, but that could change if I decide I like something else more while studying general business,” she said, “I look forward to learning about business so one day I can start my own company. I also am looking forward to the variety of volunteer opportunities and joining clubs. And I’m excited to go study abroad in Madrid to learn more about business and to connect more to my Colombian heritage through immersing myself in the Spanish language.”

When asked what she’ll miss about the community that she’s been a part of for thirteen years, Ella said, “I’m going to miss how close everyone is here. It’s a small community and I’ve made really good friends and had some great teachers. I’m excited about a new experience but it’s going to be sad to leave.”