Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Name: Gayane Frnzyan
Major: Criminology-Pre-Law
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I decided to pursue an Armenian Studies Minor to find out more about my culture, ethnicity, and language.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most and why?
The Armenian Studies classes that influenced me the most were the Armenian language classes. Although I was born in Armenia and know how to speak Armenian fluently, until I took this class I did not know how to read or write in Armenian. Being able to read and write in Armenian brings me closer to my culture and ethnicity and I would not want to change that for anything else in the world.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
Taking Armenian Studies courses shaped my college education, due to the fact it broadened my perspectives. I think that it is distressing when students at our university do not take different ethnic studies classes. A criminology major needs to understand and be associated with different ethnic backgrounds to be successful and this is what the Armenian Studies courses have taught me.
What was your favorite college experience?
Taking Armenian Studies courses shaped my college education, due to the fact it broadened my perspectives. I think that it is distressing when students at our university do not take different ethnic studies classes. A criminology major needs to understand and be associated with different ethnic backgrounds to be successful and this is what the Armenian Studies courses have taught me.
What are your plans after graduation?
As a child, I have always had the passion to become an attorney. I remember when I was 9 years old, I sat at my toy desk that my parents had bought for me that Christmas and I would stand up my from my seat and say “your honor can I approach your desk?” This passion of mine became a reality in 2006 when I decided to pursue a major in criminology. After graduation I am going to pursue a Master’s degree in criminology. Although this is a 2-year program, I will complete it in 1 year. After completing my Master’s degree I will apply to law school; three years later I will have a license to practice law in California. I am interested in practicing criminal defense law.
Name: Windy DunbarMajor: International Business
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I took Armenian Studies courses to learn more about my culture in a disciplined setting and to have access to instructor knowledge.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most and why?
Armenian film-especially the documentary on Charles Garry. His desire and dedication for justice and human rights is something paramount even in this era. Also, the language course helped me realize how difficult it really is to properly learn another language and that native speakers should really be grateful and pursue proficiency.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
It has exposed me to things and people I may not have been exposed to without them. I feel more rounded in terms of cultural history and therefore more connected.
What was your favorite college experience?
After watching the Charles Garry documentary Dr. Kouymjian remarked that he felt sorry for our generation who has nothing to fight for and would rather exist in our banal complacency. It was very rewarding to hear that from such a worldly professor and in the context it was given.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to work for the Federal Government and hopefully maneuver my way to the East Coast. My dream would be to work at an American consulate abroad and eventually receive my M.A. in Women’s Studies.
Name: Marissa Mariam KalashianMajor: Business-Internationa;
Minor: Armenian Studies & Spanish
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
The Armenian Studies Minor was part of why I chose to attend Fresno State. I am half Armenian and have always wanted to learn more about the culture and the Armenian Studies Program provided me with this opportunity.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most and why?
I was very fortunate that during my time at Fresno State three semesters of Armenian language courses were offered and I took them all. I may not be fluent, but I love being able to recognize written and spoken Armenian when I come across it.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
Taking the Armenian Studies courses provided a relief from the business courses I had to take for my major. I also minored in Spanish and it was interesting to study multiple languages and compare the different literatures.
What was your favorite college experience?
I can’t think of one particular experience as my favorite but the overall time I have spent at Fresno State has been great. I have made good friends and had some good times while earning a college degree.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am planning on earning my Master’s degree in International Relations. Beyond that, I’ll just have to wait and see. My long-term goal is to work in the government doing something neat, so I plan on spending the next few years building up my credentials for that.
Name: Gor KrboyanMajor: Philosophy-Pre-Law Option
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
Initially I took a course in Armenian Studies 10 and I was really fascinated. It opened my eyes and it showed me that I knew nothing of my culture and our history except how to speak Armenian. I then decided to take additional courses where I learned about our great writers, myths, heroes, and the struggles our people have faced.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most and why?
It would definitely have to be Armenian History 108B. I knew of the Armenian genocide and what happened to our people during the early part of the 20th century but the course gave us an in depth look at the years prior and after. I also was able to learn more about dates and locations, and positions the United States and other countries held and it was really a shocking experience.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
Taking Armenian Studies courses has helped me become a more complete person. Through these Armenian Studies classes I have attended many concerts, lectures, and joined the Armenian Students Organization. All of these things together have combined to make a great college experience.
What was your favorite college experience?
My favorite college experience would be hanging out with friends before and after class at the pub. Once you come into college it seems like everyone goes their separate ways because we all have different majors. It was great that we had a place to meet on campus to keep in touch with old friends.
What are your plans after graduation?
My favorite college experience would be hanging out with friends before and after class at the pub. Once you come into college it seems like everyone goes their separate ways because we all have different majors. It was great that we had a place to meet on campus to keep in touch with old friends.I plan to attend law school and become an attorney. I want to stay in the Fresno area, so I plan on going to San Joaquin Law School and then serving the Fresno community.
Name: Marine KrdanyanMajor: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Certification in Cross Cultural Competency
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
As an Armenian student I feel extremely honored to have had the opportunity to pursue an Armenian Studies Minor. It has been a privilege to sit in a classroom filled with students who share my same heritage and together receive knowledge regarding our Armenian culture, history, and language. I strongly believe that it is one’s responsibility to be educated about their culture’s history, traditions, and language as much as possible.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most? How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
Masterpieces of Armenian Culture has been the most memorable Armenian studies course for me. This course allowed me to better understand the origins of the Armenian people, the development of the Armenian alphabet, and the evolution of Armenian literature. Not only does the Armenian Studies Program offer courses that educate students about the Armenian culture but also presents countless opportunities for students to engage in activities outside the classroom and in the Armenian community. The combination of classroom lectures and community activities has shaped my college education in that it has given me the opportunity for personal growth.
What was your favorite college experience?
I have had many wonderful experiences attending Fresno State. The one experience that stands out from the rest is my employment with the Education Opportunity Program on campus. As an academic peer advisor I not only gained knowledge regarding the school system and academics, but learned a great deal about human relationships.
What are your plans after graduation?
Immediately after graduation I will continue with my education and work towards receiving a Masters Degree in Social Work and the Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Ultimately, I hope to be a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at my own practice.
Name: Grigor Gokor KyutunyanMajor: Business Administration-Real Estate and Urban Land Economics Option
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I pursued an Armenian Studies Minor because I am an Armenian and secondly, I wanted to expand my knowledge and have a better understanding of Armenian culture, history, arts, language and much more. Over the years, I have learned many new things and experienced various areas of Armenian culture, traditions, history and the arts, which at the beginning I had very little or no background knowledge, but after taking almost of the classes, I have learned so much that it makes me feel great about myself and the path I decided to take at Fresno State.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most?
I would have to say Armenian History 108, Arts of Armenia 20, and the Armenian Studies 120T course taught by the Kazan visiting professor, Dr. Chookaszian, from Yerevan, Armenia, who taught about Armenian paintings and painters, who are very well respected and recognized in Armenia and in the Diaspora. I have learned so much and studied a wide range of areas that better help and shape who I am, where I am from, and what culture and history I belong to. I think this kind of feeling and expression is very strong and has a deep understanding in shaping who I am in this world.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
It has provided me with a wide base of knowledge and understanding of Armenian history, arts, language, and culture. It has offered me the skills to think outside the box and in colorful pictures rather than just black and white. I now feel very confident to discuss various aspects of Armenian related topics with many people.
What was your favorite college experience?
I have several, but one is being part and involved with the Armenian Students Organization (ASO), where I had the opportunity to meet my fellow Armenians, starting from being a member to being the Treasurer, and finally as President during the 2006-2007 academic year. The Armenian Genocide Commemorations on April 24th were very symbolic and important to me as an Armenian; many other events and experiences were interesting, fun, exciting and memorable including the telethon, picnics, banquets, lectures, festivals and more. Throughout the academic year, I have met many new people from students to faculty and staff, great networking, business events, meetings and an actual internship of my choice during the summer of 2007, which turned into a permanent job. During my college years, I have experienced difficulty, hardships and challenges that I was able to overcome and succeed in with my wide range of knowledge, skills, abilities and support. I believe that everything is possible in life with hard work, effort, hope and skill.
What are your plans after graduation?
Name: Paul Magarity
Name: Azniv Orinakyan
Name: Kristine Pogosyan
Name: Jennifer Alece Torosian
My plans after graduation are to visit Armenia during the summer and then continue working full-time, with the intent of starting my own company in the future. I would like go into various other related areas, such as contracts, financing, and management in order to examine, grasp, and have the best possible knowledge, understanding, and the proper skills in becoming a successful business person. I would like to come back to Fresno State for my MBA which will open great doors in the future and I believe that a higher education is the key to success.
Name: Paul MagarityMajor: English
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I pursued Armenian Studies out of my own personal necessity to better understand and appreciate my Armenian identity.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most?
All Armenian Studies classes influenced me in one way or another. Before I took Armenian Studies, I had always wanted to learn how to speak or at least understand Armenian, so perhaps the class that had the most effect on me was the language class. The language is something that is genuinely unique and important to the culture and its history. It is something every Armenian should be proud of. It is hard for me to see myself having not learned at least the basics.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
Taking Armenian Studies courses didn’t necessarily shape my education. I didn’t take these classes until I had already finished the bulk of my coursework towards my major. It was a personal goal and journey for me to experience the Armenian language and learn of Armenia’s rich, extraordinary history (plus it satisfied my language class requirements towards gaining my degree.)
What was your favorite college experience?
There were so many enjoyable aspects of college, especially in the Armenian Studies Program, but my absolute favorite college experience was taking a beginning acting course with Professor Myers. Acting is something I’ll probably never pursue again, but it was tons of fun to get into different characters and definitely a memorable experience.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to teach high school English while simultaneously working on my writing. I hope to be able to eventually enter the Master of Fine Arts program at Fresno State in Creative Writing, and possibly teach Creative Writing at a college level about ten years down the line. For now it’s time to save, save, save and prepare for the rest of my life!
Name: Azniv OrinakyanMajor: Liberal Studies
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I pursed an Armenian Studies Minor because I feel as an Armenian student it is very important to better understand my Armenian culture, history, and language. Taking Armenian Studies courses has allowed me to have a better understanding of my Armenian heritage. Being knowledgeable in the many aspects of the Armenian culture, history, and language has given me the competence to better inform non-Armenian students about the Armenian culture.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most? How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
The Armenian Studies courses which have influenced me the most have been Arts of Armenia and Armenian Architecture. Having been born and raised in Armenia I have had the opportunity to explore the numerous unique sites and sceneries, such as the Armenian churches, of Armenia. Taking Arts of Armenia and Armenian Architecture classes allowed me to learn about the history, about the structures, and many numerous facts that I was not aware of even though I had seen and visited the sites in Armenia. Taking Armenian Studies courses brought back wonderful memories from my time in living in Armenia. Furthermore, learning about my cultural heritage in a classroom filled with other Armenian students has made my college experience extremely unforgettable.
What was your favorite college experience?
I cannot recall one favorite college experience because my overall college experience has been great. Even though college is challenging, having the opportunity to gain knowledge in numerous subjects has overridden the stressful experiences that go along with receiving a degree.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to take some time off and spend time with my family and later come back to Fresno State where I will pursue a degree in teaching.
Name: Kristine PogosyanMajor: Criminology
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I have chosen to complete an Armenian Studies Minor because I feel that I have duties to fulfill as an Armenian by keeping my heritage going and my own ethnic identity alive.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most?
The Armenian Studies class that influenced me the most was Armenian Studies 10 because it was the introduction to Armenian studies; it briefly educated me in Armenian politics, the Genocide, cultural heritage, immigration, etc. It was a very influential course.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
Taking Armenian studies courses has greatly shaped my college education. By learning an extensive amount of information about my own culture I now have additional knowledge about my Armenian heritage that I could never acquire anywhere else.
What was your favorite college experience?
My favorite college experience was being the president of the Armenian Students Organization. It gave me a chance to address my ideas to the rest of the executive members and actually make a change for the organization. Also being a member of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity gave me the opportunity to experience a whole different concept of a club. This club opened my eyes to new things in the field of law and prepared me for the law application process, life as a law student, as well as the contemporary job market.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan on moving to Los Angeles sometime in June and starting law school at Chapman University School of Law for the fall 2008 semester. My main focus as a future defense attorney is going to be an emphasis in either criminal or entertainment law, since over the years I have noticed that they are the most significant and interesting fields of law.
Name: Jennifer Alece TorosianMajor: Business-Marketing
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I was and am very interested in learning about my culture. It is something that is a very important part of my life and I enjoyed learning everything that the classes had to offer.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most?
The Armenian Studies classes that I enjoyed the most were the language and church classes. I think that these are two subjects that help make Armenians unique. There is so much amazing history behind the Armenian Church-it was fascinating to me. The language is something that I have spent my whole life trying to learn so that I can hopefully pass it on one day.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
Taking Armenian Studies courses made my college experience fun and interesting. The Armenian classes were the ones that I looked forward to every day. It was nice to take a break from business classes and learn about something completely different.
What was your favorite college experience?
My favorite college experience was being the president of the Armenian Students Organization. It gave me a chance to address my ideas to the rest of the executive members and actually make a change for the organization. Also being a member of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity gave me the opportunity to experience a whole different concept of a club. This club opened my eyes to new things in the field of law and prepared me for the law application process, life as a law student, as well as the contemporary job market.
What are your plans after graduation?
I was and am very interested in learning about my culture. It is something that is a very important part of my life and I enjoyed learning everything that the classes had to offer.