Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Dustin Vartanian
ASO President
Hiking, walking, racing, and getting together; Fresno State’s Armenian Students Organization had several adventures throughout the past semester. These moments were especially enjoyable because they gave rare opportunities for ASO students to see many of their friends in person since the closure of the Fresno State campus due to the pandemic. Identical to the past, it is always a memorable time when ASO meets together.
On a cool and windy day in late February, ASO members headed eastward into the Sierra Nevada Foothills to hike the perimeter of Avocado Lake. Everyone walked along the rocky path around the uniquely shaped lake. The foothills were covered in green and there were fields of almond blossoms along the way as well. It was great to spend the morning talking with friends and walking through the crisp spring air. In April, ASO also ventured out to walk the Woodward Park Shinzen Japanese Gardens. Within the lush gardens there were colorful flowers, ponds, and bonsai trees. The group wandered through the entire garden and even climbed a few trees along the way. Afterwards, the group relaxed at a local frozen yogurt shop.
They dashed around Fresno; it was a big race! In late March, ASO led a “Fresno Scavenger Hunt-Armenian Edition.” Members met at Fresno State as the starting point. They were divided into teams and were given the task of taking a photo at each destination the scavenger hunt took them. The first team to have all seven pictures at each destination and return to campus was the winner. The scavenger hunt included seven destinations which were: The Saroyan House Museum, Simonian Farms, the Tehlirian monument, the bust of William Saroyan, the David of Sassoun statue, William Saroyan’s headstone, and the High Quality Bakery building. The first-place team was Jonathan Chardukian, Matthew Mugrdechian, and Mitchel Statler.
The Armenian Genocide Monument was glowing. Candles illuminated the interior and a multitude of flowers surrounded the eternal flame. The quietness of the night enabled one to listen to the peaceful sound of the waterfalls that cascade down each column of the monument. On April 23, 2021, ASO dedicated the evening for the 106th year of commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
The evening began with the viewing of the movie “The Promise.” “We are still here,” the main character of the movie, Mikael, exclaimed at the conclusion of the film which was one of the major themes of the movie.
After the film ended, students and friends traveled to the Genocide Monument at Fresno State. The participants gathered around the monument and held a moment of prayer led by Father Yessai Bedros, pastor of St. Paul Armenian Church. “Hayr Mer” and “Der Voghormya” were sung by all in attendance. After Father Bedros’ homily, each attendee, one by one, laid their flowers in the center of the Monument. It had been two years since the students were able to commemorate this day together. Finally, it was a time of togetherness that could be felt by everyone in attendance.
Again, it was another memorable semester with the ASO. It was important for members to finally gather after a year of isolation. These memories, socials, and friendship building will continue on next semester.