Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Hourig Attarian
Food and Nutrition Science
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
Even before I was enrolled in Fresno State I really wanted to take an Armenian studies class. Armenian culture is something that I value very much in life. I wanted to take the course as an opportunity to learn more about the Armenian culture and heritage.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I really enjoyed getting to meet other young Armenians and connect with them on something so special like the culture we grew up with. I also have enjoyed attending different events during my years as the Hye Sharzhoom photographer.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on getting more work experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics and then applying to a combined dietetic internship and graduate school in Southern California with the plan of becoming a Registered Dietitian.
Shelbie Ohanesian
Liberal Studies
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I really wanted to learn more about my culture and where I came from.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I value my Minor the most. It is much more than simply being able to say I have a Minor. To me my Minor was much more personal. It was a way for me to understand where my family is from and the history of my people. Participating in the Program brought much more into my life than expected, such as joining the ASO where I met so many amazing people who I now call my friends.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite event was going to Armenia in the summer of 2017 with the Armenian Studies Program. That has been the best experience in my life and I know those memories will last forever. To actually step foot into the country where your ancestors are from is an indescribable experience. I owe the Armenian Studies Program so much thanks for providing me so many memories I never expected college to provide.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending the Multiple Subject Credential Program at Fresno State and would like to be in an internship teaching position in the fall.
Diana Gasparyan
Communicative Disorders-Speech Pathology
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
My family was planning on visiting Armenia the following summer, and I knew the experience would not be as meaningful if I did not have a deeper understanding of my history and culture. This encouraged me to enroll in an Armenian Studies course, which in turn led me to fall more in love with Armenia and its four-thousand year old history. The Armenian Studies Program allowed me to discover more about myself and my ancestors than I would have ever thought possible, and for that I am forever grateful.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
Prior to attending Fresno State, I never came to truly know any Armenians of my age. Fresno State’s Armenian Studies Program and Armenian Students Organization opened the doors to meeting fellow Armenian classmates that became lifelong friends. I value these connections, for they have shaped my future and my confidence in representing my culture. I also value the leadership skills I earned from serving as ASO Secretary and President as it gave me the opportunity to reach out and serve our Armenian community.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
Ranging from the incredible Armenian Studies 148 class to the various socials and events held by ASO, the highlight of my participation would have to be planning and organizing the 2017 Armenian Genocide Commemoration. It was unbelievably humbling to be able to help in providing an opportunity in which Fresno’s Armenian community could come and take part in an event that is so close to our hearts. The gathering is so empowering and holds a great deal of importance to me.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on applying to Fresno State’s Speech-Language Pathology Masters Program and then become a Speech Pathologist working in a hospital, clinic, or private practice setting where I can best utilize my skills of helping people achieve their speech, swallowing, and language goals. My emphasis in Gerontology leads me to specialize in aiding the growing elderly population in the Central Valley. An important goal of mine is to find a way to give back to the Armenian community, either here in Fresno or in Armenia.
Marine Vardanyan
M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I learned about the Armenian Studies Program when I was still in high school. I knew that was the first thing I was going to get involved in when I got to Fresno State. I wanted to Minor in Armenian Studies to build a closer connection to my heritage. I was eager to explore the different topics that the Armenian Studies courses covered because even though I live in the United States, it’s still very important for me to learn about our history, culture, and language.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The Program gave me purpose at Fresno State. It made me feel at home. It’s where I met some of my closest friends, where I grew as a leader and as a writer, and where I have been able to develop and strengthen my identity as an Armenian-American. I value all the lessons I have learned from the Program, both in class and out. The program and Prof. Der Mugrdechian’s mentorship has shaped me into the person I am today.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies activity that I was part of in graduate school was the Armenia Summer Study Trip 2017. This was my second time going to Armenia with Prof. Der Mugrdechian, but unlike the last trip, this time I was going with my fiancé and best friends. I had the time of my life in Armenia, with special experiences like getting our engagement blessed by Hayr Mikayel in Tatev Monastery, having lunch with villagers in Saghmosavank, and meeting with the United States Ambassador to Armenia.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to stay in the Central Valley and work in student affairs.
Michael Rettig
M.A. in History
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
My experience in the Armenian Studies Program as a graduate student revolved around my Master’s thesis and Hye Sharzhoom. Professor Der Mugrdechian was a member of my thesis committee and worked closely with me on editing and revising my paper. Working on the Hye Sharzhoom similarly helped hone my writing and editing abilities. I also enjoyed broadening the readership of Hye Sharzhoom by creating a Facebook page, where we live-stream our lectures and post our stories.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to enroll in the Credential Program at Fresno State. I am currently working on turning a portion of my thesis into a book chapter for an edited volume and plan to continue my research on Armenians in British Intelligence during World War I. I am also considering pursuing a Ph.D. in History.