Hello dear reader!
My name is Melike Ak, and I am the creative force behind the children's book series starring Carl and Teddy. With extensive experience working with children, I've developed a deep interest in understanding and nurturing the cognitive and emotional growth of young minds.
Drawing from my own diverse background, I find myself endlessly intrigued by the beautiful cultures and countries across the globe. Whenever possible, I explore new lands, enriching my understanding of literature, languages, diverse cultures, sociology and psychology along the way.
My curiosity and openness are essential traits of my personality, and I continuously plan new adventurous journeys for Carl and Teddy. I look forward to introducing myself in more detail below.
A little insight
In my mid-twenties, I needed something new. So, I quit my job and booked a One-Way ticket. Well, it wasn't quite that simple. I had lived my whole life in a small town in Germany, finished college, worked in a preschool. Although I've always loved working with children, I wanted to learn more than just the knowledge from school. So, I first worked as an Au-Pair in the United States, and through that experience, I decided I wanted to live here someday, somehow.
I have always been interested in different lifestyles and new cultures. Growing up with my German mom and Turkish dad, I have learned to juggle two very opposite cultures. I grew in Germany but visited my family in Turkey which lived in the poorer parts of the country. I was able to connect and adapt to both worlds and with that openness and eagerness to learn new things wherever I traveled, I, to this day have an easy time connecting with locals in new countries.
So after my year as an Au-Pair and some more years of work in Germany, the "One-Way ticket" came into play. I had saved enough money to enroll at a university in California. I didn't know the area, nor any people I would live with in Silicon Valley, but I wasn't afraid. On the contrary, I looked forward to meeting new people, lifestyles, and mentalities. So, I ended up on the other side of the world. Now, since I always found working with children very enriching, I continued to work with them alongside my studies. That time strengthened knowledge in early childhood education, as I learned new teaching methods.
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My enthusiasm for new countries and cultures led me from Europe to North America, through the vibrant landscapes of Central America, to the southernmost tip of South America. My understanding for different cultures and the ability to learn new languages ​​allow me to connect with an international audience. This, along with my interest in the emotional and cognitive development of children, is the foundation of this children's book series. They are wrapped playfully in adventurous little stories."
Through my stories, I aim to open windows to different cultures and invite young readers on a global journey to discover their potential.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.