Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Angela Soghomonian
Biochemistry
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I enjoy history and wanted to learn about the historical events relevant to the Armenians.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I enjoyed the Armenian language classes, because it gave me an opportunity to practice speaking.
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate, I plan on applying to medical school.
Mitchel Statler
Theatre Arts
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I started taking Armenian studies classes to learn more about my heritage.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The thing I value most is the friends that I have made over the years. I have met some of my closest friend though this program.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite classes were the “Arts of Armenia” course and the History of Fresno Armenians weekend class.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am going to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to get an MFA in Technical Direction.
Mark Soghomonian
Biochemistry
Minor in Armenian Studies
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
One of my favorite courses was Armenian Studies 108B, Modern Armenian history. This course offered a very enriching learning experience and made me more aware of root historic causes of conflict in Transcaucasia.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I value the historic, cultural, and linguistic knowledge I gained from the Armenian Studies Program. Minoring in Armenian Studies provided me with ample opportunity to think critically about historic events affecting Armenia and surrounding nations.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am pursuing a career in medicine and plan on attending a medical school in California.
Khori Cranford
Political Science
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
Growing up in the Armenian Church and community, I have always been passionate about my culture and where/who I came from. Having the opportunity to Minor in Armenian Studies at Fresno State was an amazing experience.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I value being able to speak Armenian and be educated on an academic level about the culture and what it means to be Armenian. I have made amazing connections and am proud to be part of the Armenian Studies Program!
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be working in Washington, DC for the summer with the Armenian Assembly. Then I will be headed to San Diego State to begin a Masters program in Strategic Communications.
Olivia Soghomonian
Chemistry and Mathematics
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
Growing up in an Armenian household, I was no stranger to historic events like the Genocide. However, I wanted to learn more about what Armenian history was like before the Genocide. I was unaware of how rich a field of study Armenian history is, and the more I learned, the more interested I became in taking more classes. It was fascinating to learn about how Armenia overcame all the struggles it has faced in the past, and how the past has shaped modern conflicts of today.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
It is impossible to not value everything I learned from the Armenian Studies classes I took. I have learned so much about Armenian culture, art, and history throughout my time as an undergrad. Had I not taken these classes, I would not have been able to appreciate the significance of many aspects of Armenian culture that I was unaware of before. As such, I value how much these classes have taught me to treasure my culture and heritage.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently working on my Masters degree at Fresno State. I am studying Pure Mathematics with a focus on functional analysis.
Christian Tufenkjian
Biology
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I decided to pursue an Armenian Studies Minor because I have always been fascinated by Armenia’s rich and diverse culture. Learning about my history, language, and traditions has been fulfilling. I felt that enrolling in an Armenian Studies Minor would help me deepen my understanding and appreciation for my heritage.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite class was definitely the Armenian language course. Learning Armenian was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, and I loved being able to communicate with native speakers and immerse myself in the language.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The most valuable aspect of my experiences in the Armenian Studies Program has been the opportunity to connect with other students who share my passion for Armenian culture. Through class discussions, cultural events, and guest lectures, I have formed lifelong friendships and professional connections that will continue to enrich my life and career long after graduation.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue exploring my passion for Armenian culture and history and I am planning on attending dental school.
Melina Peters
Liberal Studies
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
As an Armenian-American student, it was important for me to utilize the courses offered at Fresno State to get a deeper understanding of the culture I proudly belong to. After taking my first Armenian Studies course, I knew I wanted to expand my knowledge further in regard to our history, culture, arts, and language. In addition, I have learned in greater detail about the Armenian Genocide and the events leading up to the massacres. After minoring in Armenian Studies, I have sought out opportunities to gain additional knowledge in many different realms of our culture’s rich history.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies courses were Armenian 1A & 1B, Introduction to Armenian Language. In both courses, I learned how to read, write, and speak the language. Professor Barlow provided a fun and welcoming environment throughout the courses, which made my experience even more enjoyable. Although I grew up as an Armenian-American, going to Armenian church and events, I never had the opportunity to learn the language until I entered college. Though I am far from perfect when making a conversation, I can come out of this program saying I know far more than I did prior to entering it. The part of me that has been yearning to learn the language has been filled thanks to this program.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I valued the community the Armenian Studies Program has offered me throughout my college experience. I enjoyed coming to class not only to learn about my culture, but to spend time with the friends I have made. As a third/fourth-generation Armenian-American, learning about the Genocide has reminded me how fortunate I am to live in a country where I am safe to be who I am. My ancestor’s perseverance and determination to survive and strive during hard times was astonishing to learn about. My experience during the Armenian Studies Program has made me grow as a young Armenian.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be continuing my studies at Fresno State pursuing my Masters in School Counseling. After graduate school, I hope to work as a school counselor at an elementary or middle school within a local school district in Fresno.
Anahit Yerdoglyan
Biology
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I really wanted to learn more about my Armenian roots and my country. Growing up, there were not very many chances to take Armenian classes whether it was in high school or middle school, so I was excited to take these classes when I heard that Fresno State offered many Armenian classes.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
There were many great classes within the Armenian Studies Program but my favorite Armenian Studies class that I have taken was “Arts of Armenia” because it was interesting to learn about all the different churches. It was also interesting to learn about all the different miniatures that Armenians had painted and made over time.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, my plans are to study to take my OAT and apply to optometry schools since I want to become an Optometrist.
Rita Yerdoglyan
Biology
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I decided to take an Armenian studies course because I wanted to learn more about my Armenian roots. I grew up speaking Armenian in my home, but I wanted to know more about what it meant to be an Armenian. By taking these courses I was able to learn a lot about my culture and gained more appreciation for its long and detailed history.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite course was the Arts of Armenia course and the Armenian Studies 120T weekend course where we learned about the Armenian Apostolic Church. This course allowed me to learn about the details that went into Armenian art and architecture. In the 120T weekend course we learned about the structure of the Armenian church and the meaning behind this organization. I enjoyed this course because we learned about the church and got to go to St Paul Armenian church and get a tour of the church.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on gaining more healthcare experience and going to PA school and obtaining my Masters degree.
Caleb Arizmendez
Chemistry
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I have been raised around so many Armenians in Fresno and I wanted to know the history and language of this people
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies class was Arms 20 Armenian Art because of how beautiful Armenian churches are and I haven’t taken a class that has focused on architecture as an art form.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I most value the unique environment of each Armenian Studies course which makes them stand out as GE courses on this campus. They provide students with the opportunity to learn about very interesting subjects pertaining to Armenian culture and history in a safe and encouraging environment.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to apply for Pharmacy School.