Yakup's early experiences pose some interesting questions; what is it like to grow up in a culture that doesn’t really have a concept of the ocean, and few descriptive words for the ocean? How do you interact with the ocean if your only experiences are from movies and television? 

His incredible story is filled with overcoming adversity, fulfilled dreams, landscapes (and seascapes) that come full circle, and a deeper appreciation of the ocean than most people will ever experience. Despite humble beginnings Yakup has an impressive roster of achievements, and a social circle of supportive connections who only want to see him succeed further. 

This inspiring episode reminds us all that, no matter our original circumstances, the world is a big place filled with incredible opportunities. And perhaps one day you just might find yourself exiting a hadal submarine,  surrounded by the heartwarming cheers of friends and colleagues, having successfully visited the bottom of the ocean you only saw for the first time at age 27.