Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Haverj Stanboulian
Biology
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I wanted to stay connected to my Armenian roots and expand my knowledge about our amazing culture and history.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The Armenian Studies Program has a great community of Armenians who are really passionate about their heritage. I really appreciated how everyone in the Program was proud to be an Armenian and how we had a great community away from our homeland.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
The most memorable event was the unveiling the Armenian Genocide monument at Fresno State. I was grateful to be part of that historic moment. I loved every single Armenian Studies course I took. Each one of them was unique and taught me something new about my culture.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on attending graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in Gene Regulation at UCLA.
Tadeh Issakhanian
Master in Business Administration
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
As an Armenian, I think it is important to learn as much as possible about the history of our people. The Masterpieces of Armenian Culture (Armenian 148) course taught me so much about the writers, poets and musicians from our past.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The friendships and connections I made with my fellow students has to be the most valuable aspect of the Program. It has been a wonderful experience to learn about our history and culture alongside other Armenians.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorites were the numerous lectures that were hosted by the Program. The lectures brought in speakers from all over the world, who presented on so many unique and interesting topics.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will continue my current position in Washington, D.C. with Congressman Costa’s office, while continuing to be active in the Armenian community in the nation’s capital.
Elena Sarmazian
Psychology
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I was encouraged to take those courses to deepen my understanding of my own culture.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The most valuable thing to me during my time in the Armenian Studies Program was the people I got to meet and engage with. These friendships will last a lifetime and what’s even better is that they started during those classes where we all were learning more about our culture.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite class was definitely the Arts of Armenia (ArmS 20) class with Professor Der Mugrdechian. I loved learning about the different architectural styles of our beautiful churches and all the amazing art that the Armenian people created.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on continuing my education to receive my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and hopefully continue to become a psychiatrist.
Elina Karapetyan
Political Science
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I have always been very much in tune with my roots. I visit Armenia often and try to soak up as much as I can while I am there. I thought taking an Armenian literature course would be perfect for me because I love good writing. Studying the works from passionate Armenians who experienced the Genocide and other incredible hardships was potent and at times daunting.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I enjoyed meeting and connecting with young, enthusiastic, like-minded, patriotic students. I like seeing Armenians who are still in touch with their culture. Also connecting with professors who offer valuable advice was great.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I loved attending lectures where experts come from all over to teach us about their work. Last year, Dr. George Bournoutian, from Iona College, visited Fresno State to give a talk about Iran’s mission of apology to Russia in 1829. I was so amazed by his lecture, I bought his book right after and asked him to sign it.
Last semester I attended the concert of accomplished pianist Sofya Melikyan. I wrote an article for Hye Sharzhoom and sent it to my aunt Lianna who lives in Russia to read. She told me she went to the same conservatory as Sofya in Armenia. So, it has been very fun.
What are your plans after graduation?
I have always dreamed of moving to Washington D.C to start off my career in politics. I am currently working on making that happen. I also plan on going to law school after a year of working, and studying for the LSATs.
Seroun Mouradian
Public Health
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
It is difficult to choose, but if I have to, then meeting Garo Paylan was by far the most impactful. It was an honor meeting not only an influential figure of Turkish Parliament, but an Armenian who defiantly lives to serve those who have no voice in Turkey. Seeing everyone come together with the hope of a brighter future made me feel so much joy.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to continue my education and obtain my Masters in Public Health so I can contribute to women’s health. And of course, travel. I am just going to get started and see where the road takes me. I feel like the best experiences are unplanned and unexpected. One day at a time, but I am super excited to see what unfolds!
Alysse Arakelian
Food and Nutrition Science-Culinology
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I had the opportunity to take Dr. La Porta’s Masterpieces of Armenian Culture (Arm 148) course. I really appreciated the way the class was structured because I learned so much about Armenian history and culture through the lives of various prominent figures and leaders.
Photos: Michael Rettig