
{"id":43354,"date":"2026-02-06T13:30:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T13:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wewalk.io\/?p=43354"},"modified":"2026-02-06T13:44:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T13:44:15","slug":"i-realized-that-i-first-needed-to-trust-myself-wewalk-has-been-a-great-companion-on-this-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wewalk.io\/en\/i-realized-that-i-first-needed-to-trust-myself-wewalk-has-been-a-great-companion-on-this-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cI realized that I first needed to trust myself. WeWALK has been a great companion on this journey.\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"43354\" class=\"elementor elementor-43354\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b514f1b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b514f1b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a04865c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a04865c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">First Encounter: Witnessing the Birth of WeWALK <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bcba05d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bcba05d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>During my high school years, WeWALK had just been launched. At that time, I had the opportunity to try WeWALK at Vestel\u2019s factory while demos were still being made and R&amp;D work was ongoing. Witnessing the birth of a product and later contributing to its development was a very special experience for me. From those early days to today, I have closely followed every stage of WeWALK.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5356b48 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5356b48\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The America Adventure: \u201cI Felt at Peace Knowing It Was With Me in a Country I Didn\u2019t Know\u201d <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ddd67e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8ddd67e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>Close to the time I was going abroad, I was invited to the United States through YGA programs. Around that same period, WeWALK\u2019s first product was released, and I took it with me to the U.S. Having WeWALK there carried a very special meaning for me and truly made a difference.<\/h5><h5>Imagine this: I\u2019m in a country I don\u2019t know. I have to navigate unfamiliar airports on my own. Of course, there are people who can help, but there\u2019s also a language barrier. On top of that, I was a high school student at the time, and there weren\u2019t many people around who knew me well. Everyone was a stranger, including the agency staff member who met me upon arrival. The person who greeted me was Spanish, and I barely knew English.<\/h5><h5>Under these conditions, I had no choice but to rely on myself. And that was a very different feeling. Because WeWALK was with me, I felt very calm and comfortable. No matter what, I was with a device that I could understand and that could understand me, helping me reach wherever I wanted to go. This experience was extremely valuable to me, and it helped me realize that in my future travels, walks, and every moment of my life, I first needed to trust myself.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-087dce9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"087dce9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">WeWALK: Not Just a Tool, but a Companion <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2765ba6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2765ba6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>The concept of \u201ccompanionship\u201d in WeWALK\u2019s slogan is very important to me. Even if I don\u2019t know any techniques or don\u2019t know where I am, seeing WeWALK as a companion and being able to do things together, feeling that support, comes above everything else.<\/h5><h5>For visually impaired individuals, a cane is actually more than just a tool; it is a kind of companion. Just as WeWALK says, it\u2019s a companion we walk alongside. This feeling becomes even more meaningful, especially when walking in unfamiliar environments and unknown streets.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de63338 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"de63338\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Obstacles at Shoulder and Head Level: \u201cThey Were Very Challenging Before WeWALK\u201d <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4845e96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4845e96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>Obstacles at shoulder and head level were unfortunately very challenging for us before WeWALK. Of course, there are many obstacles, and it\u2019s easier to detect those we scan with the tip of the cane. But signs, trees, thin metal bars under some signs\u2026 These can be at heights like one meter or one and a half meters and can hit you right in the head.<\/h5><h5>Especially after I started studying at Dokuz Eyl\u00fcl University, WeWALK became extremely useful for me in Buca. The sidewalks there are narrow and unfortunately not suitable for humane conditions. These are areas where even walking is quite difficult for any individual, let alone a person with a disability. Seagulls, signs, poles, hanging tree branches, even clothing donation boxes\u2026 Being able to sense and detect these obstacles in advance with WeWALK\u2019s sensor and protect myself makes me feel much safer.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca14114 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ca14114\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">From WeWALK 1 to WeWALK 2: Feedback Turning into Reality <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ccc8d29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ccc8d29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>After the first version of WeWALK, they continued to collect feedback, and I contributed to this process as well. We shared suggestions such as making the device water-resistant, reducing its size, and creating a more ergonomic design.<\/h5><h5>One of the first pieces of feedback I gave was about making WeWALK water-resistant. When using the first WeWALK, I used to feel very anxious: \u201cWill it get wet? What if it rains?\u201d I was constantly thinking about this. Sometimes I would leave home in sunny weather, and it would start raining in the afternoon. Sometimes it would rain in the morning and stop later, and I would think, \u201cI wish I had taken it with me.\u201d The addition of water resistance was a very, very good improvement for me.<\/h5><h5>With WeWALK 2, I once again saw how passionately this team works to make everything better. Knowing that there is a team ready for us\u2014one that sees the real-life applicability of the feedback we give, understands it, and develops solutions\u2014feels truly wonderful.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05c65e0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"05c65e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">WeWALK 2: \u201cI Saw Its Concrete Form\u201d <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa31d11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aa31d11\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>I liked WeWALK 2 very, very much, and it is still a device I actively use in my social life. Its ergonomics, voice assistant feature, built-in flashlight, and app integration are truly excellent. I already knew how passionately this team works to improve everything, and with WeWALK 2, I saw this passion materialize.<\/h5><h5>It is a highly efficient device in every sense. Of course, witnessing the process and comparing the previous version with the current one also made me feel really good. That\u2019s why I\u2019m very happy, and I\u2019m eagerly and excitedly waiting to see what they will do next. Let\u2019s see what awaits us next time.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-032efca elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"032efca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Final Message: \u201cTrust Yourself First\u201d <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cb5f152 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cb5f152\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>To my friends who are just starting their journey toward independent mobility or who haven\u2019t yet found that courage, I would like to say this: It\u2019s actually a hard question to answer, but maybe it\u2019s helpful to remember this\u2014feeling safe, and first feeling that you trust yourself, is very important. I think this is the most important thing when going outside.<\/h5><h5>What I felt in my own independent mobility journey was, in general, the need to feel safe\u2014to reach the feeling of \u201cI am safe.\u201d Accepting that I could do this on my own took some time. Saying \u201cI can do things by myself and I don\u2019t need anyone\u2019s support\u201d is not easy.<\/h5><h5>But fortunately, WeWALK is a very helpful technology in this process. Having a voice assistant and navigation through the app are wonderful features. And I know that the generations after us, those who are my age now, or even older, are actually a bit lucky because we live within technology.<\/h5><h5>At first, being able to use technology well may give that sense of security. And then having the confidence to say, \u201cDid I take a wrong turn? Okay, I\u2019ll check WeWALK, it will guide me to the right path, and I\u2019ll find my way\u201d\u2014that confidence\u2026 Trusting ourselves first and then our surroundings is a very beautiful thing, in my opinion.<\/h5><h5>Being able to do this in my own journey took a long time. But in America, the moment I first landed at that airport, I understood that with every step I take, I need to trust myself first. WeWALK became a great companion on this journey.<\/h5><h5>Remember, realizing that you can feel safe and being aware that you are capable of doing this is incredibly valuable. And WeWALK is one of the best companions that can accompany you on this path.<\/h5><h5>I would like to sincerely thank the WeWALK team for their work.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bafc90b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bafc90b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18eabcc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"18eabcc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Are you a WeWALK user with a story to tell? We would love to hear how the Smart Cane 2 is changing your daily life. Reach out to us at info@wewalk.io!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My name is Selinay Erkul. I am currently a second-year student in the Tourism Management Department at Dokuz Eyl\u00fcl University. My journey toward independence began with YGA (Young Guru Academy). K\u00fcr\u015fat Ceylan, whom I met there, was an incredibly inspiring role model for me. After participating in YGA programs, my self-confidence increased and the number of role models who convinced me that I could be independent grew. That was also when I started using a white cane.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43354","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized-en"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>\u201cI realized that I first needed to trust myself. WeWALK has been a great companion on this journey.\u201d - WeWALK Smart Cane<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wewalk.io\/en\/i-realized-that-i-first-needed-to-trust-myself-wewalk-has-been-a-great-companion-on-this-journey\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\u201cI realized that I first needed to trust myself. WeWALK has been a great companion on this journey.\u201d - WeWALK Smart Cane\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"My name is Selinay Erkul. I am currently a second-year student in the Tourism Management Department at Dokuz Eyl\u00fcl University. My journey toward independence began with YGA (Young Guru Academy). K\u00fcr\u015fat Ceylan, whom I met there, was an incredibly inspiring role model for me. 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