The First Goal

First day at Galatasaray

Amel

Monday morning dawns crisp and early, the first real taste of autumn in Istanbul. The weekend had been a whirlwind of exploring—the spice-scented Grand Bazaar, the charming ferry rides across the Bosphorus, and the café-lined streets in my new neighborhood. I'd settled in, found my favorite spots, and even made a new friend: Gizem, my next-door neighbor, who had an easy smile and a warm, welcoming family. She's the same age as me, works as a nurse, and has already told me I can come to her family if I ever need anything. Having a friend here, even a brand-new one, somehow makes the city feel less overwhelming.

But today, I don't have time to linger on the weekend. Today is my first day as an intern at Galatasaray's headquarters, and I feel both excitement and nervousness stirring in my stomach.

I'm dressed in a simple, professional outfit I'd laid out the night before—a pressed blouse and a neat skirt, hoping it strikes the right balance of confident but not overdressed. I know Turkish work culture can be intense and hierarchical, and I want to make a good impression. The last thing I need is to be late on my first day, so I decided to play it safe and took a taxi again. Public transport can be a maze, and I can't afford to arrive flustered.

The taxi pulls up to Galatasaray's headquarters, a sleek building that looks both modern and imposing. I take a deep breath, straighten my shoulders, and step out, feeling the full weight of the moment hit me. This is it.

Inside, I'm greeted by the hustle and bustle of the Galatasaray offices. People move quickly, chatting in rapid Turkish, making phone calls, and glancing at monitors as they pass by. My eyes scan the space, trying to soak it all in while maintaining my own calm demeanor.

"Amel!" A voice calls out. I turn to see a tall man with a welcoming smile heading my way. He's in his early 40s, with close-cropped hair and a professional but friendly air about him. He extends his hand as he reaches me.

"Merhaba, I'm Umut. I'll be your supervisor while you're here," he says, switching easily between Turkish and English. "Welcome to Galatasaray."

"Thank you," I say, relieved to hear his warm tone. "It's really exciting to be here."

"Good. Let's get you familiar with the place." He gestures for me to follow him, and we begin a tour of the office. As we walk through the departments, he explains each one—digital marketing, brand partnerships, public relations. He makes sure to mention who's who, giving me pointers on the key players in each area and warning me, with a small smile, about certain personalities to be wary of. His openness instantly puts me at ease, and I feel the knots in my stomach beginning to untangle.

"You're here to learn, but I want you to contribute, too," he says as we pause in front of a sleek glass office overlooking the city. "Marketing isn't just about promoting the brand; it's about understanding people, connecting the club with its fans. So don't be afraid to speak up if you have ideas."

His words give me a burst of confidence. I nod, promising myself I'll push past my nerves. I'm here to make an impact, and this could be the stepping stone I've dreamed of. Umut leads me to my desk, a modest spot nestled between the graphics team and the communications department.

"This will be your workstation," he says. "It might feel overwhelming at first, but you'll get the hang of it."

"Thank you, Umut," I say, meeting his eyes and hoping he can sense how determined I am.

He gives me an approving nod before adding, "A few people here may be wary of new faces, especially young interns. But if you stay focused, they'll respect you for it."

As he walks back to his office, I feel a few curious glances darting my way. Some colleagues smile politely, but others barely acknowledge me. I catch a couple of sideways looks that feel more judgmental than welcoming, but I try to brush them off. The work culture here is competitive, and I knew going in that I'd have to prove myself.

I take a moment to settle in at my desk, adjusting the computer monitor and glancing at the tasks Umut assigned to me. My first project is straightforward: an analysis of the club's social media performance over the last month. Simple enough, but it's essential work that will let me dive into the Galatasaray brand, learn the ropes, and understand how to apply my marketing skills in this new environment.

I focus on my work, letting the numbers and stats ground me. The routine of analyzing engagement rates, fan demographics, and follower growth is familiar and comforting, and I feel a surge of confidence as I dig in. I may be in a new city, surrounded by strangers, but this? This, I know how to do.

Around noon, I hear a soft tap on my desk. I look up to see Gizem, her eyes sparkling. "Hey, Amel, I'm Merve! How's your first day going?" she asks, her voice warm and genuinely curious.

"Good! A bit intense," I admit, smiling as she laughs knowingly.

"Welcome to Istanbul work life! You'll get used to it. My break is short, but let's grab a coffee together sometime this week?"

"Yes, I'd love that," I say, already grateful for her presence here. It's comforting to know that I have someone I can talk to.

After she leaves, I dive back into my work, doing my best to ignore the glances and muttered conversations around me. The rest of the day flies by in a blur of tasks and meetings. When I finally log off and gather my things, I'm mentally exhausted but proud of myself. I made it through the first day, and I even managed to make a solid start on my assignment.

As I leave, I glance back at the building, taking in the familiar Galatasaray crest against the evening sky. It's a reminder of why I'm here, of the passion and hard work that this club represents. I feel a mix of relief and pride as I walk toward the street to hail a taxi. I can't help but smile—today was just the beginning, but it was a start. And I know I'm ready for whatever comes next.