Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
ZHANNA BAGDASAROV
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
MINOR: ARMENIAN STUDIES
How have the Armenian Studies classes you’ve taken influenced you?
Taking Armenian Studies courses throughout my college career has definitely been a great addition to my curriculum. I’ve acquired so much knowledge pertaining to general Armenian issues and the history of my people, which I was not aware of before these classes. Each class provided me with new information and new reasons to continue studying topics relating to Armenia. I am very thankful to the Armenian Studies faculty for incorporating so much valuable information into their classes.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ten years from now I hope to have completed a doctorate degree in psychology and work full-time as a licensed clinical psychologist in a clinical setting. Aside from working with patients, I also hope to continue conducting research within this domain and perhaps do some teaching. A family is also a very important part of my future. When I envision my future, it always consists of a family of my own. I hope to have a couple of kids someday and most likely settle down in Fresno.
Most memorable event of your college career?
My years at Fresno State were full of unforgettable moments, but if I had to narrow it down to a single time during the past three years, it would have to be my first year at this institution. I will never forget the truly wonderful times I had with new friends I made through ASO. I always think fondly of the carefree days we’ve spent gathering on campus and participating in activities organized by our club. That first year provided me with the support and confidence I needed to acquire a sense of belonging that has lasted me throughout these few years.
Best advice for incoming freshmen?
Do not take your college years for granted!!! I can’t stress this enough only because it all goes by so fast. Allow time for your personal development, but also make sure to work hard toward your chosen career. Think of your years in college as an investment into your future; this type of thinking will surely make each day a little easier to get through.
TIFFANY BALAKIAN
MAJOR: CHICANO STUDIES AND
COMMUNICATION
MINOR: ARMENIAN STUDIES
How have the Armenian Studies classes you’ve taken influenced you?
When starting at Fresno State I had little knowledge of the Armenian culture, literature, and language. After all of the Armenian classes that I have taken I have gained an abundant amount of knowledge that has helped me in the ways that I see myself and other Armenian people.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Wow, well in 10 years, I will be 32 years old. I see myself, hopefully, married with a couple of kids.
Most memorable event of your college career?
May 20, 2005, the day I graduated, but all jokes a side, my most memorable event can’t be broken down into just one day or one event, but over all it was the opportunity of meeting new people, both Armenians and non Armenians.
Best advice for incoming freshman?
My best advice for incoming freshman would be #1-definitely minor in Armenian studies or at least take some of the Armenian studies classes, # 2 finish your work on time, and
# 3 have a blast, it will go by fast!
NARINE GOUGASIAN
MAJOR: SOCIAL WORK
MINOR: ARMENIAN STUDIES
How have the Armenian Studies classes you’ve taken influenced you?
These classes have influenced me to be more culturally diverse. I have also learned more about my Armenian heritage and culture that I could ever envision.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I see myself married with children. My profession would be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, working in a mental health facility, with children who are mentally, physically, and emotionally abused.
Most memorable event of your college career?
My internship in Madera County this year was the most memorable in my college career.
Best advice for incoming freshmen?
Considering that my little sister is an incoming freshman, my advice to everyone is to work hard in what you want and go after it; only you can make it happen. I know I did because I was able to graduate with my degree in 3 years.
CARINA KARAKASHIAN
MAJOR: BUSINESS LAW
MINOR ARMENIAN STUDIES
How have the Armenian Studies classes you’ve taken influenced you?
The Armenian Studies classes that I have taken in my past four year at Fresno State have influenced my life in many ways. These classes have helped me gain a further knowledge and appreciation for my culture and heritage. The Armenian Studies classes have inspired my own interests in Armenian Studies and have encouraged me to further this newfound passion of Armenian history.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Let’s see, in ten years…that would be 2015, wow seems like ages away! By then I hope to be married with children and working as a prosperous lawyer for a large corporation.
Most memorable event of you college career?
There are way too many to name, but one of the most memorable memories I have from my freshman year was when our Armenian Language class convinced Prof. Der Mugrdechian to hold class in the pub…definitely an experience I won’t forget!
Best advice for incoming freshmen?
Enjoy yourself! Try new things and welcome new opportunities to gain memories, friends and develop skills that will help you in your future.
ARMEN POSTOYAN
MAJOR: MARKETING
MINOR: ARMENIAN STUDIES
How have the Armenian Studies classes you’ve taken influenced you?
Armenian Studies classes that I took at Fresno State influenced me in many ways. First of all I was able to get a better sense of my culture and heritage and second I was able to learn about the Armenian Language through Barlow Der Mugrdechian’s Armenian 1A&B, 2A classes. I was really thankful I had the opportunity to minor in Armenian Studies and learn more about the people who really put Armenians on the map. We will never forget those heroes that lost their lives during the genocide. Also, those who lost their lives as martyrs for the Armenian Cause throughout our rich history such as the boys of Lisbon 5, Monte Melkonian, Soghomon Tehlirian, and all the freedom fighters who fought in the Karabagh conflict of the early 1990’s.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Well, 10 years is a lot to think about this early after I graduate, but if there was one place I would like to see myself it is being married with one kid, and hopefully becoming one of the most successful business leaders to ever graduate from Fresno State. I would love to take my current business knowledge and one-day own my own Major League Baseball Team.
Most memorable event of your college career?
There have been many memorable moments in my college career. The 5 years I spent getting to know all of my professors are one memorable moment I will never take back. Also, being part of the executive body of the Armenian Students Organization as the Vice President of the 2003-2004 year was something I would never forget.
Best advice for incoming freshmen?
My best advice for incoming freshman is don’t slack off in class and make sure every moment of your collegiate career is full of happiness and memories you will never forget. Also let’s not forget about getting the most amount of education so that you will be as successful as all the other graduates of Fresno State.
STEPHANIE STOCKDALE
MAJOR: POLITICAL SCIENCE
MINOR: ARMENIAN STUDIES
How have the Armenian Studies classes you’ve taken influenced you?
The Armenian Studies courses I have taken at Fresno State have not only taught me so much about the history and heritage of my people, but they have sparked a desire to educate myself further. I hope to study different aspects of the Armenian culture, history and present status of Armenia both as a nation and people. The courses at CSUF have been a wonderful background and starting point to what my continued education will include.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
It is hard to predict the future. Although ten years seems so far away, in actuality they will be completed sooner than I know. Within those ten years I know there is much in store for me. I am beginning these years with a six-month study in Armenia and will then return to begin and complete my Master’s. Within the ten years I also plan/hope to accomplish much more. In addition to earning a Master’s I hope to complete a PhD and establish myself in a career path focused on international affairs and relations. Like most people, I hope to be quite successful and establish a family. Although these are all goals, I am optimistic that ten years will be a sufficient amount of time to complete all which I have set forth for myself.
Most memorable event of your college career?
The most memorable event of my college career includes numerous events in many different areas of life. Some of the greatest experiences of my life have involved traveling. One of the most memorable trips was to South Africa where I interned in the Regional Security Office of the American Embassy. This was an exciting and special trip not only because I was able to work in an environment I see myself, in the future, but was able to assist in the security detail of former Secretary of State Colin Powell and President George Bush.
Best advice for incoming freshmen?
The best advice that I can offer incoming freshman would be to enjoy yourself the entire way. School is much more exciting when you participate in clubs, classes, and events, which are of interest to you. Although once in a while we all have to do things we do not want to, remember everything must end and even though this is probably the hardest class you will have to take, it too will end in sixteen weeks. It is what you make of it. It is okay to take an extra class outside of your scope of study, it makes the semester much more enjoyable and indulging your interest only widens your scope of knowledge. And most importantly, only do it for you, the education that you complete can never be taken away from you, it is for the betterment of yourself.
RAMI GABRIEL
MAJOR: BUSINESS-INFORMATION SYSTEMS
How have the Armenian Studies classes you’ve taken influenced you?
Armenian classes have influenced the way I look at my culture. They have taught me a lot of history.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I plan on working for an IS department for a fortune 500 company, making a lot of money, and driving a Porsche.
Most memorable event of you college career?
My most memorable event of my college career is hard to pick out. All of college has been fun and exciting. If I have to pick one, it would be graduating.
Best advice for incoming freshmen?
The best advice I can give would be to know what you want to major in. Don’t waste time taking unnecessary classes. Even though college is fun it is more fun to get out and make some money.