Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Andrew Antaramian
Major: Business Administration-
International Business
Which course in Armenian Studies was the most influential and why?
The Armenian history course made me appreciate the troubles and obstacles the Armenians faced to maintain their identity. I really enjoyed learning about the ancient history of the Armenians because the course opened my eyes of the lives of our ancestors. The course showed me how the Armenians flourished over time, overcoming their troubles and difficulties. The course also made me appreciate, understand, and cherish the Armenian culture. I also really enjoyed and loved learning about the history of the Church.
How has being involved in Armenian Studies benefited your college experience?
I was able to share what I learned with other Armenian students and I made new friends and developed relationships with my fellow Armenian students. It also made me feel closer to the local Armenian community. I really enjoyed every activity I participated in and I am fortunate for the experience I had with the Program.
What has been your greatest accomplishment throughout your college career?
I would say being involved in Armenian Studies and the maturing process I experienced throughout my college career. I feel like I have learned so much and experienced so much since my first day of college. I also consider my upcoming graduation as a culmination of all of my academic accomplishments throughout my college career.
What are your plans for the future?
I will be attending law school in the Fall of 2010 and earning my Juris Doctorate. I am excited to take my next step in my academic career and eventually into my professional career. My goal is to graduate from Law School and enter into a following graduate school to earn a Masters in Business Administration.
Talene Karkazian
Major: Family and Consumer Science-
Fashion Merchandising
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies
Minor?
I pursued an Armenian Studies minor to learn more about my heritage as well as studying ways the Armenians have assimilated and adapted to American culture without losing their identity.
Which course in Armenian Studies was the most influential and why?
The most influential course I took in the Armenian Studies program was a three-week group trip to Armenia! Studying and touring in Armenia enabled me to experience the true and real history of my ancestors. To actually step into ancient history is an indescribable experience I will never forget.
How has being involved in Armenian Studies benefited your college experience?
Being involved in the Armenian Studies Program has helped me stay connected to my roots as well as remaining involved in the Armenian community.
What has been your greatest accomplishment throughout your college career?
My greatest accomplishment has been the jewelry line, Tea-K, I started over four years ago. I love the fact that with jewelry one size fits all. Women can wear jewelry and feel nothing but joy in their hearts.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on continuing my education by working towards a Masters degree in the fields of Art and Fashion Merchandising. I would then love to teach on the college level and try to be as influential as my professors have been to me.
Knar Mekhitarian
Major: Business Administration-
Accountancy
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I am fortunate to say that I am a proud alumnus of the Armenian Community School. The Armenian language has always been spoken within my family. Although I knew how to read, write and speak Armenian, it was essential for me to take Armenian courses to strengthen and further my education in both language and history.
Which course in Armenian Studies was the most influential and why?
In the summer of 2007, I went on a seventeen-day journey to my homeland under the direction of Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian. Although it was not my first time to Armenia, it was still fascinating to experience the historic churches that I learned about in detail in my Armenian Studies courses. I also loved to interact with the people and to learn the ways of life through the eyes of the Armenians in Armenia. The trip helped me grow not only as an individual, but also as an Armenian. I encountered countless new relationships and an in-depth knowledge of my faith, people, and language.
How has being involved in Armenian Studies benefited your college experience?
Entering Fresno State as a freshman in 2004, I was ecstatic to learn of the Armenian Studies Program. Realizing Fresno State had one of only three Armenian Programs on the West Coast, it was a personal priority to obtain a minor and take advantage of this educational opportunity. The Armenian Studies Minor has gifted my college experience with a cultural edge.
What has been your greatest accomplishment throughout your college career?
Being apart of the Armenian Students Organization (ASO) was a wonderful experience. As former President of ASO, I took part in many activities on and off campus, meeting new fellow Armenian colleagues, as well as interacting with the local Armenian community. One of my fondest memories of the ASO was raising money for an organization in Armenia called Mer Doon. Mer Doon is a non-profit organization that provides a family environment for disadvantaged youth who are transitioning from orphanages into the community.
What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I will pursue my Masters in Accounting and eventually acquire a position in corporate banking. I will always remember how the Armenian Studies Program has benefited my college experience, therefore it will be a priority of mine to stay active and give back to the Armenian community.
Jonah Melikian
Major: Communication
How has being involved in Armenian Studies benefited your college experience?
It has allowed me to meet fellow Armenian students and work together with them. This motivated me to join the ASO, which has gotten me more involved in numerous activities that have connected me with the Armenian community.
What has been your greatest accomplishment throughout your college career?
I wanted to not only stay on track and graduate in a timely manner, but also do well in my classes and earn grades that I could be proud of. There can be several distractions along the way, however I remained focused on all of my classes to achieve my goal.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to stay in Fresno and become involved in an organization where I can utilize my skills in order to best serve that business as well as the Fresno community.
Hagop Ohanessian
Major: Business Administration-Real Estate
Minor: Honors Armenian Studies and History
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies
Minor?
The Minors offered a variety of courses on Armenian culture and history. I have always been proud of my heritage and I am glad that I was able to take courses that provided me just that. I believe that knowing more about your heritage makes you a better person—one must never forget their history.
Which course in Armenian Studies was the most influential and why?
I truly believe all the Armenian Studies courses were influential but if I had to pick one, I would say it was the Armenian History I course. I have always been interested in modern Armenian history and especially the topic of the Genocide. I also enjoyed “Masterpieces of Armenian Culture” that focused on the different writers in Armenia.
How has being involved in Armenian Studies benefited your college experience?
I enjoyed every aspect of the Program: the courses, being involved with Hye Sharzhoom, and being active in the ASO. All of this helped me grow as an individual. Working with Hye Sharzhoom, I improved my writing skills and learned a lot about writing for a newspaper. Being President and Vice-President of ASO helped me with my leadership skills as well as having the opportunity to meet fellow Armenian students.
What has been your greatest accomplishment throughout your college career?
Throughout my college career I had a lot of memorable times and accomplished a lot. Having the opportunity to travel to Armenia with Professor Barlow in 2007 was a fantastic opportunity for me. Also in 2008, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Hong Kong, which was awesome. The greatest accomplishment of all is graduating and having built the necessary knowledge and skill that will carry forth in graduate school and in life.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan after graduation is to continue my education in graduate school at the University of Michigan. I would like to get a Masters and eventually a Ph.D in History/Armenian Studies. I eventually would like to become a Professor and also to be involved in my other passion—real estate. Of course, I will also continue to be active in the Armenian community.