It was a national holiday in Turkey—May 19, Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day—yet a small group of girls gathered online as they have for months, forming the digital constellation that is Be the Voice of Girls. They came from the same town, and many from the same schools, but on this particular evening, they arrived in very different moods. Some were still buzzing with energy from spring celebrations; others seemed tired, distracted, or quietly reflective. Yet as familiar faces began to appear on screen, the conversation found its rhythm—as it so often does—gently, but with growing warmth.
Guiding the group was Michael Sullivan, an American educator and long-time friend of the program. While his family remains in the Philippines, Michael has returned to the U.S. and is balancing multiple jobs as he works to reunite with them. Despite the distance and the demands, his dedication to BVG hasn’t wavered. “I’ve made it to almost every session,” he said, “and each one reminds me why this work matters.”
This session centered on a deceptively simple prompt: What song has had an impact on you?
The question opened a flood of quiet revelations. Some students named songs they turn to when grieving a loss. Others described music that lifts them up or reminds them of a sibling, a memory, or a hope. There were mentions of Adele and LP, The Weeknd and Mariah Carey—voices from around the world that somehow found their way into the headphones and hearts of Turkish teenagers.
One participant said a love song made her think not of romance, but of a pet she once lost. Another explained that she liked a particular track because it helped her process anger. Still another admitted to simply enjoying the rhythm and lyrics of her favorite rap artist—proof that the program’s “best student” can still have an Eminem playlist.
What emerged was more than a discussion about music. It was a shared recognition that songs can hold feelings we haven’t found the words for. And in a setting like this, where every girl is encouraged to speak—not perfectly, but personally—those lyrics become a bridge to self-expression.
Music has long played a role in BVG’s approach. From guided listening activities to singing workshops led by guest artists, music is not only a learning tool but a space for joy. “When we talk about music,” Michael noted, “we’re really talking about memory, identity, and resilience.”
The conversation touched on other familiar themes too—school, family, friends, festival season, and the rising cost of coffee. One student had just come from a café with friends; another had been playing volleyball, even though she admitted she wasn’t very good. “But I play anyway,” she said, with a shrug and a smile. Michael praised the courage it takes to do something you’re not great at, especially in front of others.
As always, the group gave space to different personalities. Some girls spoke easily; others typed in the chat. One quietly listened for most of the hour before offering a few words about her favorite singer. Another, who joined late, explained she’d forgotten the session entirely while out shopping—but still came when she remembered. Her honesty was greeted not with judgment, but with warmth.
Toward the end of the session, Michael previewed the final lessons ahead. He plans to wrap up his time with BVG by leading what he called “summative” activities—lessons that help the girls look back on what they’ve learned and who they’ve become. “We’re not doing exams,” he said with a grin. “That’s not our style. But we are going to celebrate your growth.”
The room quieted, as if each participant was beginning to understand that this, too, was a moment worth holding.
Be the Voice of Girls has never been about mastering grammar drills or passing a test. It’s about unlocking stories. About giving teenage girls, many from underrepresented communities, the chance to speak—and be heard—in both English and in their own voice.
And so, this session, like so many before it, did not end with a final answer. It ended with a playlist. A chorus of songs, each one a quiet declaration of identity, stitched together in English and Turkish, laughter and reflection.
No homework was assigned. Just a simple request: Keep listening.
