Bengu Erguner-Tekinalp
Associate Professor of Counseling
Why did you pursue teaching counseling rather than practicing in a clinical or other setting?
I chose counseling because I wanted to be part of change and growth people are undertaking. Teaching is similar in the sense. I just think it is wonderful that as a professor I get to read books and talk about books and write stuff (or attempt to write stuff), and then you share your knowledge with others. It’s exciting to welcome students to Drake with their desire to help others and watch students learn, grow and turn into wonderful counselors. It is so exciting to witness this development and be a part of this growth. Plus, I have this curiosity about everything, and as a professor you are rewarded for your curiosity and asking questions.
You are originally from Turkey—what was it like to adjust to life in the United States?
There are a lot of hidden rules in culture. For example, Turkey is more on the collectivist side of the continuum; relationships move faster, the second you meet someone you can start talking about your personal life and issues, which is perfectly normal, but not so much here. We also don’t have much personal space in Turkey. I remember as a student in Alabama I couldn’t understand why people moved away or why people were in different corners of the elevator. Those type of hidden rules of a culture—it’s about understanding the differences and adjusting accordingly. The adjustment was exciting first, then scary, then confusing, then exciting again. After all these years this country became a new home, a second home for us.
What are your areas of expertise or interest?
One of my areas is studying and teaching about cross-cultural differences and diversity. I operate based on stories. If we see people as categories, we’re not going to see them as human beings; it’s easy to detach ourselves. But stories can bridge that gap and eliminate the barriers those categories create. Let’s listen to each other, hear our stories, and let’s grow together.