Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Tatiana Samouie
Biology
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
Through my involvement in the Armenian community, I wanted to learn more about our history, traditions, and heritage in a more academic manner. After taking the first semester of Armenian language, I wanted to continue and to pursue a Minor in Armenian Studies. Taking many Armenians Studies courses has broadened my knowledge and allowed me to have a deeper appreciation of the Armenian culture, land, and history.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
From courses and performances, to organizations and socials, the Armenian Studies Program offers many opportunities for students to get involved. I enjoyed making connections with fellow Armenian peers. ASO socials and events were the highlights, where Armenian students could meet and create lifelong friendships.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending law school this fall and I plan on using my experiences and knowledge gained through the Armenian Studies Program to make a difference as an attorney. Whether I am involved in negotiating regional agreements or in patent litigation, I will keep contributing to the Armenian cause and helping my people.
Ani Zhamkochyan
Political Science
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
There are so many interesting courses that have enhanced my knowledge of Armenian culture, history, and language. I was encouraged to take these classes because, even as an Armenian who has lived in Armenia and was raised surrounded by the culture, I feel there is still a wealth of information for me to learn about my country every day.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The different topics in Armenian Studies that I previously had not thought to look into turned out to be some of the most interesting, and having the requirement to take them all for the Minor gave me the opportunity to do that. Nonetheless, the relationships with my classmates, fellow ASO members, and my professors from the Program are the most valuable to me.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on continuing my current position at a local law firm as a legal assistant. In the coming year, I will also be studying for and eventually taking the LSAT. I look forward to attending my first year of law school in Fall of 2023!
Ariana Garabedian
Speech Pathology
Minor in Armenian Studies
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies course would have to be Armenian 1A, Introduction to Armenian Language. It was my favorite course because it was a fun and inviting environment to learn a language and make mistakes in. In the course, I made countless memories with strangers that I had no idea would become some of my best friends down the road. I can thank the many laughs that the Armenian 1A class brought for the wonderful life-long friends I have now!
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The one thing that I valued the most was the unique learning experience it provided. Not everyone can say that they have had the opportunity to walk into a classroom twice a week to learn a little more about themselves and where they have come from. I, along with my classmates, get to say that I have had this opportunity and will cherish it for the rest of my life.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on continuing my studies at Fresno State studying Speech Language Pathology at the graduate level. Once this is completed, I hope to stay in Fresno as a Speech Language Pathologist in our local school districts serving children with special educational needs and services.
Sosse Baloian
History
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
The desire to learn more about my heritage motivated me to take an Armenian Studies course. Attending the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School planted the seed that motivated me to further my Armenian education.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite classes were the Armenian language classes. By the time I enrolled in Armenian 2A, I was able to translate a short story written by my great grandfather.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I value Prof. Der Mugrdechian and Dr. Ohanessian for teaching me the Armenian language, history, and culture. I am grateful for all that I have learned and enjoy sharing it with my family and friends.
What are your plans after graduation?
I would like to use my degree in history and work as an archivist. I am also looking forward to raising my newborn daughter with my fiancé.
Michael Mazman
Economics
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
When I transferred to Fresno State in 2020, I was already aware of the renowned Armenian Studies Program that we have on campus. After being encouraged to get involved by my family and friends, I ended up registering for three Armenian classes in my first semester at Fresno State: Armenian 1B (language), Armenian 148 (literature), and Armenian Studies 108B (history).
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
Although I have enjoyed every Armenian Studies class that I have taken at Fresno State, my favorite was Armenian 1B with Prof. Der Mugrdechian. I found it a lot of fun to practice reading, writing, and speaking the Armenian language with my classmates. My Armenian Studies 10 class with Dr. Ohanessian was also very interesting because of its emphasis on the Armenian organizations, churches, and landmarks here in Fresno.
What are your plans after graduation?
I have been working at an independent, fee-only financial planning firm in Fresno for a little over a year. After graduation, I plan to continue working there full-time while studying for my professional certification in the financial services industry.