DIVE Founding Fathers Farewell

Dear Readers,

 

Firstly I have to admit that when I first pitched the idea of an “Online English Magazine” to Mr O’Neill, I would have never imagined Dive growing as much as it did. It has become a part of my high school life that means so much to me - and I am not saying it just for the sake of it. 

 

Since our time to say goodbye has arrived, first and foremost, I would like to give a special thanks to Mr. O’Neill who gave us his constant support since day one. He became my mentor along the way and we can not thank him enough for everything; Dive surely wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for him.

 

At the start of grade 10 when he told me to assemble a team, I only had 6 names in my mind: Doğa, Eylül, Engin, Yasemin, Lal Derin and Taha. Although we had our fair share of failures, the seven of us somehow managed to get Dive through its first year. It was an honour to work with all of you over the past three years. I remember during our first after school meetings we would talk about the magazine for a total of 5 minutes and fool around for the rest of the hour. But when I look at Dive today I think we must have done something right. 

 

I am so proud of what we have accomplished and happy that Dive will go on after us with a wonderful team and amazing editors - Batuhan and Aylin. 

 

Lots of love,

 

Hande Bozkır, Editor and Founder of Dive Magazine

 

Dear readers,

 

I remember like it was yesterday when Hande approached me about a project she called an “Online English Magazine”. She asked me whether I wanted to be a part of developing it and writing for it. As the team assembled, our meeting turned into those where we channeled innovative ideas as well as having fun and getting to know each other. I remember when Dive was almost called “Urban” and when Hande looked up “one syllable words” for our catchy magazine title. From videos like mine and Eylül’s “9/11 Conspiracy Theories” that didn’t make the cut, to those we used our wonderful teachers for, I thoroughly enjoyed channeling my creativity for Dive and seeing my friends do so as well. I hope Dive lives on to flourish the creativity of our peers as well.

 

Love,

 

Doğa Fadıllıoğlu (Co-Founder of Dive Magazine)

 

Freedom of speech is frustratingly hard to experience and I feel my grip thereupon loosening each day I grow up to be burdened by fear and censorship. When we first embarked on this journey, I was determined to take my freedom wherever I can find it. I remember how palpable the pounding of my heart was when I submitted my first article on our dear DIVE, proud to have articulated my voice, to feel it resonate exponentially with other heartbeats. I feel it my duty to thank Mr. O’Neill, Mr. Corlett, Mrs. Aydınoğlu and our school for supporting, budgeting and most importantly inspiring us to DIVE deeper. It is invigorating to seize one’s freedom in the censorship-free, trusting and appreciative environment we created all together. Stay curious, stay out of your comfort zone and most importantly stay with love.

 

Engin Karanfil, Co-Founder of Dive Magazine