Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Kara Statler
Armenia was a life changing experience for me. I have been to Armenia twice, both times with the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State.
The first trip I went on in 2017 with Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian and Dr. Hagop Ohanessian was amazing. I was so grateful to be able to see the rich culture that our people have.
Entering the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, lighting a candle at every church, and climbing Amberd were just some of the amazing experiences I had with people who have become lifelong friends. I also celebrated my birthday and it was just an amazing time in my life, and I knew I wanted to go again.
After returning, I got even more involved in Armenian Studies. I became President of the Armenian Students Organization and started to fully pursue my Minor in Armenian Studies. When Professor Der Mugrdechian and Dr. Sergio La Porta announced the 2019 Armenian Summer Study, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to experience my favorite place in the world again.
This time I went with my younger brother, Mitchel, as well. We went all over the country together. It not only got us more familiar with our culture and heritage, it made us closer as well. I made more amazing friendships with a whole new group of people and saw Armenian in a different light.
The Armenia trips were just life changing and I truly thank the Armenian Studies Program for making trips like these possible.
A special thanks to my Uncle Walter Karabian, Trustee of the George Ignatius Foundation, for their continued donations to Hye Sharzhoom and to the Armenian Studies Program, which makes possible the trips to Armenia and makes them so memorable.