By Megan Simonsen, advertising and public relations and anthropology student
Spontaneity runs through Azlin Armstrong’s veins. The junior broadcasting and advertising and public relations double major always takes advantage of any opportunity that comes her way. When a friend from Turkey informed her of an English immersion camp in his home country, Armstrong didn’t need persuading to apply for a counselor position.
After a 2 a.m. interview with RCSummer camp staff, she got the job as a camp counselor. Despite not knowing what to expect, Armstrong was ready for adventure. Once in Turkey, she embarked on a traditional camp experience. The camp RCSummer, hosted by Robert College in Istanbul, is devoted to improving Turkish children’s English skills while providing fun-filled activities orchestrated by counselors from around the world.
While many counselors were from the United States, Armstrong was the sole representative of the Midwest.
“Other American counselors went to Ivy League schools, so I was quickly dubbed farm girl,” she said.
Counselors led different activities throughout the camp. Armstrong enjoyed helping 7-9 year-olds swim, rock climb and write short stories that were printed in the Robert’s College newspaper. When the campers returned home, counselors explored local markets and historical sites or relaxed and enjoyed an ice cream cone.
The fun atmosphere of camp quickly changed after the attempted coup d’état in mid-July. The Turkish army took up arms with support of thousands of citizens, high-ranking military officials and judges. Bridges entering and exiting the country were blocked by troops to protest the current government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While having a night on the town, Armstrong heard explosions and saw tanks in the streets, a scene that she can only describe as chaos. After that night, many camp counselors returned to their respective countries. Armstrong was not one of them. Despite fear-filled messages from her parents and professors, she decided to stay.
Camp after the attempted coup proved to be nothing she had experienced before. While political uproar was happening outside the walls of the camp, counselors were supposed to refrain from speaking about the matter. Many children’s parents were in favor of the revolt, while others were government leaders, supporting the current government. Keeping minds off of the political situation was definitely a challenge.
“It was hard to ignore when something so volatile was happening,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong’s previous experience as an intern for Lincoln Literacy enabled her to communicate effectively with people of a different culture. Her flexibility was instrumental when adjusting to her new role after the coup attempt.
Looking back on her summer, Armstrong said she had the adventure of a lifetime. Even though the unstable political environment of Turkey created distress, Armstrong experienced life outside of her normal routine and in return gained a sense of security.
“Bad things happen everywhere,” she said. “Istanbul is still home to beautiful, happy people. Don’t let the struggles of some people deter you from experiencing the life of others around the world.”