Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Arlen Pilavian
Plant Science
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
The rich background and history of the Armenian people. I owed it to my ancestors to complete my cycle of Armenian studies courses after graduating from the Armenian Community School of Fresno.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies course had to be Armenian History 108B, which taught us the history which led to the Genocide, and up until the modern day Republic of Armenia. It was most interesting to me because understanding the history of the Armenians in the last 120 years shows how strong we really are. The Armenians have overcome hardship, leading to the success we have today.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The aspect that I most valued was the energy and drive I had through every course because I am from an Armenian background. Learning about the history of three to four generations before my time in a way humbled and strengthened me as a young Armenian.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on pursuing a career in the Agricultural field. What I have learned inside and out of college has prepared me to conquer the field of Agriculture and spread the word of the Armenian culture and history.
Abraham Tanousian
Chemistry
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
As a proud Armenian-American I was very happy to find out that Fresno State offered Armenian courses. I was encouraged to enroll in these courses so that I could expand my knowledge of both the Armenian language and culture.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies class was Armenian 1B; a course which covered the language. Although the class was fairly simple to me considering the fact that I attended an Armenian private school, the fact that I could communicate and refresh my skills was extremely worthwhile.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I valued seeing the strong Armenian community which for years has supported the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State. It was fascinating to be involved in such a tight-knit group which has been active throughout the school and the community. I valued the fellow students I met and the excellent instructors: Professor Der Mugrdechian and Professor Ohanessian, who made the entire process much more fulfilling.
What are your plans after graduation?
My academic goals are to continue an additional four-years of education at a medical school. I plan on applying to several esteemed institutions throughout this summer.
Annie Rubio
Business Administration
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I’ve always been curious about my Armenian roots and wanted to learn about the culture and history of my ancestors. The Armenian Studies courses provided the perfect opportunity to do just that.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite experience in the Armenian Studies Program was the Summer Study Abroad trip to Armenia in 2017. We went on many wonderful adventures throughout the country, seeing the history and culture come to life. It gave new life to the knowledge we had from other ASP courses. It was an amazing experience, especially for my first time in Armenia.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I value the strong Armenian community that has been built up and empowered by the Armenian Studies Program. It is also amazing to see the supportive relationship between the university and the greater Armenian community. This has made my experience with the Armenian Studies Program very special.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to pursue a career in marketing here in the Central Valley. I want to be able to give back to the community that has given me so much.
Emily Sirabian
English
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
The idea of being able to learn about the history of my culture encouraged me to take courses.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies class was the “Armenians in Fresno” class, because it was really interactive and more personal.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
What I value most is the friendships I have made through the Program because I know this will be what lasts beyond my college years.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on moving to Southern California and beginning a career.
Carlo Makardian
Business Administration
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I wanted to expand my knowledge of the history and culture of our people.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies courses were in conversational and written Armenian. I had forgotten how to read and write in Armenian at a very young age. Because of these courses, I am now able to read and write in my native language.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The most valuable aspect of the Program is the friendships I made with classmates that share the same passion for Armenian heritage.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on attending graduate school to pursue a M.B.A.
Varty Hamamjian
Chemistry
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
As an Armenian student, I was born and raised in an Armenian community which allowed me to develop a strong bond with my society and culture. I really wanted to refresh my knowledge about Armenian history so I decided to take an Armenian Studies course. Learning about our culture and history is important because we can then educate the upcoming generations to help them understand their identity.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
“Introduction to Armenian Studies”-Armenian Studies 10-was my favorite class! It covers the most essential aspects of what being an Armenian means. My favorite assignment was writing about my identity and family background. This assignment is very meaningful because it allows everyone to communicate with their families to gather detailed information about the family tree.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I valued the Program’s commitment and dedication to teach successfully about Armenian history to students from diverse backgrounds. Most importantly, I appreciate my Armenian and non-Armenian classmates’ passion and curiosity.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will start preparing myself for admission to medical school. First, I will be taking the Medical College Admission Test because my future career goal is to become a physician and more specifically a pediatrician.
Anna Sislian
Mathematics
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
Being born and raised in Armenia, it sparked a very high interest within me to experience the teachings of Armenian history, culture, and to experience the perspective of Armenia within the United States.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I enjoyed all of the courses offered within the Program. However, if I had to choose something specific, it would be the history lessons. Armenia is so rich in history and there is so much to learn.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
There were many things that I valued, especially the wonderful professors that make this Program possible and their dedication to the Armenian Studies Program. I also value all the new friends that I gained and the many people that I connected with.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to become a Math teacher, with the hope of also teaching my future Math students some of what I learned in the Armenian Studies Program.