Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Sosse Baloian
Staff Writer
The Armenian Studies Program Minor at Fresno State requires students to complete six to seven courses in Armenian language, art, culture, literature, and his-tory. In the Fall of 2019 more than 30 students, an all-time high, have registered to complete their Minor in Armenian Studies.
Matthew Mugrdechian
Kinesiology-Physical Education
Why have you chosen to pursue a Minor in Armenian Studies?
I am pursuing a Minor because I am an Armenian and would like to learn more about my heritage.
What Armenian Studies class or classes have you enjoyed most and why?
I have enjoyed taking all of the Armenian and Armenian Studies courses. They are all very informative and fun to learn about, but my favorite experience was traveling to Armenia in the summer of 2019. This trip was organized by the Armenian Studies Program and fulfilled my Armenian Studies 120T course requirement.
How do you hope to apply this Minor in your relations with the broader Armenian community?
I hope to speak better Armenian and gain better knowledge about Armenian relations so that I can partake in conversations about modern day issues and events.
Violeta Agabekyan
Recreational Administration – Outdoor Recreation
Who or what influenced you to Minor in Armenian Studies? Why is it important to you?
I was interested in joining the Armenian Studies Program after finding the Armenian Students Organization on the Fresno State website. Prof. Der Mugrdechian had introduced the idea to me in Armenian 1A. I was very interested in learning more about my culture, so I decided to move forward and work on the Minor.
What has been your favorite Armenian Studies course?
My favorite course was the Armenian Studies 120T course with Kazan Visiting Professor Dr. Ümit Kurt. He taught me about three genocides: the Armenian, Rwandan, the Holocaust, and the similarities/differences of how they all occurred. Because of this course, I have become better informed about the reasons that the Armenian Genocide occurred and where my ancestors may have come from.
In what ways can you apply a Minor in Armenian Studies in relation to the broader Armenian community?
I choose to use my Minor to help educate others, as I have already been doing in my Major and general classes. I will keep doing so in the future and plan on encouraging others to do the same. I may even come back to Fresno State and help out the Armenian Studies Program in planning events and informing others.
What would you say to a student interested in pursuing a Minor?
The Minor offers many great experiences, you become closer to others, and you will have so much knowledge packed into you. That knowledge will naturally come out and there will be so much to share with others about what you learn. It is definitely worth the time!
Ariana Garabedian
Speech Pathology
Why have you chosen to pursue a Minor in Armenian Studies?
I chose it in hopes that it will bring me closer to my culture and heritage. It has been helping me learn and understand a lot more about myself and my family.
What Armenian Studies class or classes have you enjoyed most and why?
I have been really enjoying the Armenian Studies course with Dr. Ari Şekeryan, who is teaching us about Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. I have a personal interest in this course because my father’s family left the Ottoman Empire during the massacres at the end of the 19th century and my mother’s family left during the Armenian Genocide. This course has helped me connect the dots as to when and why my family came to America.
How do you hope to apply this Minor in your relations with the broader Armenian community?
Minoring in Armenian Studies has encouraged my interaction with the broader Armenian community. I find myself feeling more comfortable speaking Armenian with my family, attending Armenian Studies events and lectures, and getting more involved in the Armenian church. In terms of my career goals, Speech Language Pathologists deal with people from various ethnic backgrounds. My Minor would contribute to my understanding of cultural differences and further benefit my career in helping others.
Would you encourage others to Minor?
I would encourage students to pursue the Minor because it’s a valuable chance to learn about the Armenian heritage. Also, not many colleges offer an Armenian Studies Program−it is an opportunity of a lifetime!
Ashley Movsesian
Pre-Nursing
Why have you chosen to pursue a Minor in Armenian Studies?
I have chosen to take this opportunity to get closer to my Armenian heritage and community. Since most of my Armenian family lives in Los Angeles, I was mainly raised around my Mexican family on my mom’s side. Minoring in Armenian Studies is important to me because my grandparents have always wanted me to strengthen my ties to the culture and history. I also want to pass down my knowledge of Armenian culture to my children.
What Armenian Studies class or classes have you enjoyed most and why?
I’ve completed Armenian 1A, and I am currently enrolled in Armenian 1B and Armenian Studies 10. I’ve really enjoyed all of these courses because I’m learning so much. My Armenian language skills are noticeably improving, and I know more than I ever did about Armenian history.
How do you hope to apply this Minor in your relations with the broader Armenian community?
As a future RN, I’m going to encounter many cultural backgrounds. It is important for a nurse to be well trained when catering to people of different ethnicities because it bridges the gap in health disparities that come from not understanding peoples’ customs. By learning about my Armenian culture, I’m taking a step towards bridging this gap and adequately helping Armenian patients in the community as well as educating others.
Would you encourage others to Minor?
The Armenian culture is so rich and beautiful. Minoring in Armenian Studies offers a huge arena for people interested in expanding their knowledge of art, history, and language. You don’t have to be Armenian to Minor! I encourage non-Armenians to Minor because people who better understand cultures that aren’t their own create a more accepting society.