About Me
Umit Samur Ferguson was born and raised in Turkey. She has a B.A. in English Linguistics, has translated works from English into Turkish as well as taught English as a Second Language. She headed the English departments of several private schools and was an English lecturer for a medical faculty. She also enjoyed exploring different cultures as the head teacher of the student exchange programs, traveling with her students and staying with local families. She is a certified professional tour guide as well.
While volunteering in the aftermath of the devastating Istanbul earthquake of 1999, she was struck with the realization of the fragility of life and decided not to put off her lifelong dream of living in the United States. She moved to the United States in 2000. She is married and has a daughter.
In Monterey, California, Umit first taught Turkish language and culture as an Assistant Professor at the Defense Language Institute. Her position in Santa Cruz as a job coach with Hope Services fulfilled her desire to help those with disabilities become more independent.
Umit developed a catering service, providing Turkish/Mediterranean food and theme parties. She has been cooking in her free time for over thirty years. She joyfully shares her knowledge with individuals and special groups. Her Turkish cookbook, "From My Heart to Your Kitchen", contains easy-to-make recipes for every type of occasion.
Umit is also preparing for publication a novelized memoir of her struggles to gain freedom from the constrictions her culture and religion of origin place upon females. Her story helps her connect with other women in similar circumstances.
She has danced with the Turkish Folk Dance Group, performing at First Night Monterey, Turkish Festivals and Turkish culture nights. She started Oriental belly dance classes to help women to connect with their bodies, exercise their muscles, and celebrate their female self.
For years, Umit had been reading tarot cards and coffee cups for fun for her family and friends; then she decided to become a certified tarot consultant. She attended the workshops of James Wanless, the creator of Voyager Tarot cards, and was certified by him. She has been coaching and helping her clients utilizing the guidance of the cards, her experiences, her intuition and her warmth.
Umit also believes that creativity is a way of self expression so she started oil painting three years ago. She has embraced the much greater permission to be creative here in America so much that her creations are pouring out of her one after another. She is also trying to pursue all her dreams one by one.
Umit's other interests include swimming, archeology, traveling and exploring different cultures. Dolphins are her passion. While swimming with dolphins, she was able to telepath with them. She is interested in providing dolphin-assisted therapies for disabled children. Her self-growth and spiritual pursuits have become a priority. She is amazed at the variety of opportunities, information and rights that are given both to males and females equally in America, encouraging them to be mature, independent creators.