May 2005

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Turkish "News Addict" Applies Skills to D.C. Scene

From the day that 16-year-old Onur Sazak, SIS/BA '01, arrived in Washington, D.C., from Ankara, Turkey, to begin his studies at American University, he has truly used D.C. as his laboratory for learning about the world. Sazak knew after completing high school that he wanted to pursue a career in international relations. He says he knew AU was the right place for him “the minute I stepped onto campus” – especially because of its diverse international representation.

Despite considering himself “a shy one,” his freshman year as he adjusted to the new culture and gained confidence in his English skills, Sazak made the most of his time on campus. Once he felt comfortable, he got actively involved in the AU community, pursuing his interest in all things international in and outside of the classroom. Highlights of his time at AU, which he attributes to getting him where he is today, include codirecting the Diversity Action Team, heading the International Student Association, and working in International Student Services.

Since graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in International Relations, Sazak has maintained his international focus as the Washington, D.C., correspondent for Turkey’s business daily newspaper, Referans. In this role he has covered assignments about the White House and Department of State, as well as prominent international institutions like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and International Finance Corporation. He also participates in think-tank gatherings organized by the Center for Strategic & International Studies ( CSIS), the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, the Brookings Institution, the American Enterprise Institute, and other prominent strategy centers in D.C.

Sazak describes himself as a “news addict” who constantly monitors local and international news outlets, including print media, news wires, Internet sources, and cable news, as well as attending press conferences. He admits that he even watches CNN during his “down time” while working out at the gym. He often writes his stories at the Starbucks on Wisconsin Avenue in Tenleytown, filing them late at night, and rarely getting more than six hours sleep. On top of all this, Sazak is back at AU, pursuing an M.A. in International Economic Policy, which he plans to complete in May 2006.

The next step after graduation? “I have my eyes set on a couple of international financial organizations,” he says coyly, showing a hint of being more accustommed to being the interviewer vs. the interviewee.

-Kristina Thompson, CAS/BA ’00

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