ASO Executive Brings New Ideas

Staff Report

On Tuesday, September 4, 2018, the Armenian Students Organization (ASO) gathered for their first general meeting of the 2018-2019 school year and held elections for new executive officers. The results were as follows: President, Claire Kasaian; Vice-President, David Safrazian; Treasurer, Kara Statler; Public Relations, Violeta Agabekyan; and Secretary, Suzanna Ekmekchyan.

 

Claire Kasaian 

President

 

Why did you originally join ASO?

I wanted to make new friends in college and ASO gave me just that. I also wanted to learn more about my culture and to be more involved.

What impact did ASO have on your college career?

ASO made me love being at Fresno State. I was considering switching schools and then I started to get more involved and I became close with the other students involved. The friends I have made will be friends for the rest of my life. ASO has also allowed me to meet so many people and has given me so many experiences.

Why did you run for an ASO executive position?

I wanted to be President because I was an executive officer last year and I want to make a positive impact. I also wanted to bring in fresh and new ideas for events and socials.

 

David Safrazian

Vice-President

 

Why did you originally join ASO?

I wanted to be around other Armenian students who had similar interests. The Armenian Studies Program influenced me to come to Fresno State, so the first thing I did was to join ASO. Joining ASO has been my favorite thing at Fresno State.”

What impact did ASO have on your college career?

Being in ASO has allowed me to meet many new people and build friendships that will last a lifetime. I feel as if I am more connected with the Armenian students in the area because of this club. I have a place and a purpose here because of ASO.

Why did you run for an ASO executive position?

I decided to run for Vice President because I have been very involved since I came to Fresno State and I wanted to take on more responsibility to enrich the club with new ideas.

 

Kara Statler

Treasurer

 

Why did you originally join ASO?

My best friend, Marina, made me go to the first meeting freshman year and I kind of just stuck around.

What impact did ASO have on your college experience?

ASO has changed my life. I have met so many amazing people and made lifelong friends that I wouldn’t trade for anything. It has made me feel that I am a part of something.”

Why did you run for an ASO executive position?

I ran for an executive position because I love being a part of ASO, and I was on the executive previously and I loved it.

 

Suzanna Ekmekchyan

Secretary

 

Why did you originally join ASO?

I chose to be a part of ASO because I wanted to meet more people like myself and be a part of a group that would always make me feel included.”

What impact did ASO have on your college experience?

Considering that college is a very individual experience for each person, I feel that ASO has made its members, including myself, feel as though they belong to something. It has also encouraged a sense of responsibility and commitment to the organization which I believe are factors of the essential life skills that we develop in college.

Why did you run for an ASO executive position?

I loved being a part of the executive last year and the decision-making process. I really enjoyed getting to organize fun social events for the ASO and to encourage them to form lifelong connections with each other.”

 

Violeta Agabekyan

Public Relations

 

Why did you join ASO?

I joined ASO because of its Armenian aspect. I felt like I needed to connect to other Armenians and the club helped me do just that.”

What impact did ASO have on your college experience?

ASO has provided me with caring friends and has given me courage to go out of my comfort zone. It also has lead me to pursue a Minor in Armenian Studies.

Why did you run for an ASO executive position?

I was curious to learn what the executives do and wanted to be part of the planning process.