Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Name: Alex Johnnie Bunch
Major: Psychology
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
The Armenian Studies Minor was one of the major reasons why I chose to move to Fresno and complete my first college degree here. I personally feel that having a good working knowledge about your history and background simply makes you a better person. The history of where you come from should never be forgotten. At the same time, I feel that everybody has a responsibility to be knowledgeable about his or her background.
How have the classes influenced you?
Besides acquiring a greater knowledge of who I am and where I come from, I have also been able to conduct detailed conversations with people who have asked me Armenian-related questions. I have even found that simply by taking Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian’s classes, my interest and curiosity for Armenian Studies had become greater than I could have ever imagined, in part because he was one of the smartest professors I had at Fresno State.
What was your favorite college experience?
I cannot recall a specific experience, which I would call my favorite. However, I remember a time when I had been struggling to find a perfect major. I was sitting in my Biological-Psychology class and on that day it came to me just how much I loved everything psychology had to offer me. From that point on, I knew I wanted to become a Marriage and Family Therapist.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be moving to Los Angeles in September to begin my graduate studies. I will be working on my Masters and Doctorate degrees, which will allow me to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Do you have any advice for incoming students?
Don’t take too many units at a time, and try to enjoy every minute of your college experience. College involves many challenges and a lot of hard work, but at the same time it is a fun and rewarding experience. Perform well in your classes, and always go to class!
Name: Christina Joy Karakashian
Major: Business-Accountancy
Armenian Studies Honors
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor? How have the classes influenced you?
The opportunity of gaining an Armenian Studies Minor is not something that all Armenian students get to experience. When confronted with this opportunity, I took full advantage of being able to learn more about the Armenian culture, history, and language. Being an Armenian is one thing, but learning and understanding the history of my culture and heritage is another. I believe that the Armenian Studies classes have allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my heritage.
What was your favorite college experience?
My favorite college experience was traveling to Armenia with eight other Armenian Studies students in the summer of 2005. The Armenian Studies classes allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my culture, and being able to experience and witness firsthand what was taught in my classes was an incredible experience. Having learned about the churches, monuments, and museums I saw in Armenia, I felt the trip made my education complete.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to continue working for an accounting firm in the Fresno area. Within five years I plan on gaining my CPA license, and continuing my career in accountancy.
Do you have any advice for incoming students?
My advice for incoming students is to take advantage of the Armenian Studies Program that has been established at Fresno State. I definitely advise each Armenian Studies student to make the trip to Armenia with the Armenian Studies Program. Visiting Armenia on your own will not give you the educational experience that I received by going with this program. Being able to witness exactly what you have learned, and being with a professor that has taught you and knows you will understand and appreciate what you see is an incredible opportunity and experience.
Name: Caitlin Tiftick
Major: Business Administration–Entrepreneurship
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor? How have the classes influenced you?
After taking an Arts of Armenia course my freshman year, I became interested in Armenian culture. I always knew that my heritage is Armenian, but I never knew anything about the culture and/or traditions of Armenians. The classes have allowed me to learn about my heritage and have given me a better understanding of what Armenians have had to go through in order to be a people. The classes have also taught me to appreciate each and every day I have and to make the most of each day.
What was your favorite college experience?
My favorite college experiences have been with Alpha Kappa Psi (Professional Business Fraternity). As a member for over three years and as the current President, AKPsi has provided me with lifelong memories, friends, and professional skills that will make me successful. My favorite memory is being with all of my friends at Success Institute in Las Vegas in 2005. We had a great time and a lot of fun!
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduating include accepting an entry-level management position at a company that has good management training and room to grow. My future career goal is to be a VP or CEO of a company. Additionally, I am going to continue to attend Fresno State as a Master’s student in the MBA program.
Do you have any advice for incoming students?
My advice for incoming students is to get involved. Even if you don’t think you have time, join an organization that helps give you balance in your life. If I have learned one thing throughout college, it is that you just can’t study all the time. You need to have fun and go out with your friends as well. Therefore, join an organization that both professionally and socially meets your needs. Additionally, take advantage of all the programs Fresno State has to offer. We have a terrific school (especially the business program) and there are infinite opportunities for you to be involved and succeed.
Name: Matthew Zakarian
Major: Business-Marketing
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor? How have the classes influenced you?
I pursued an Armenian Studies Minor because I was interested in learning about the history of the Armenian people. Receiving scholarships from the Armenian Studies Program helped seal the deal. The classes were very interesting from the start of my college career. They weren’t just lecture notes, you could interact with the professor and students by doing fun learning activities in class. There were many “outside” the classroom activities that appealed to me and sparked more of an interest in learning about the Armenian culture. Barlow Der Mugrdechian is an amazing professor and mentor, who will grab your attention and keep you interested in learning about the Armenian culture.
What was your favorite college experience?
My favorite college experience came to me in the summer of 2005. Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian fulfilled one of my goals in life, which was to travel to Armenia. It was the best trip I have ever been on in my life and it was very educational and FUN!!! It was my first time overseas and was an amazing experience that I will never forget.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m applying for an Executive Leader position with Target Corporation. If I don’t get that position, I will find another job that will fulfill the one thing I’m looking for in life, which is Happiness. I will also continue to grow my small vending company and look for areas of opportunity in business.
Do you have any advice for incoming students?
Just like I was told when entering my freshman year of high school-Get Involved!! Whether it’s joining a Fraternity, Sorority, or Club on campus or even pursing a minor in a field that you are interested in, get involved in something other than just going to class. It will definitely pay off when you have to interview for a job because it will give you an advantage over the other applicants applying for that same position.
Name: Sarah Helen Soghomonian
Major: Mass Communications and Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor? How have the classes influenced you?
I think it is wonderful that Fresno State has an Armenian Studies Program. It allows Armenian Students, like myself, to learn more about our heritage. I gained a better understanding of the history of the Armenian people and their nation. For non-Armenian students it teaches them about a culture few are familiar with. I take with me fond memories of writing for Hye Sharzhoom. This was the first newspaper I was ever published in. I always received great feedback from our readers. Thank you!
What was your favorite college experience?
Fresno State has been so good to me. I received a fabulous education from truly giving professors. Through the MCJ department I was able to work on student produced television shows for Comcast Cable. The hours of hard work I put into making news packages for Fresno State Focus and The Bulldog Sports Report were truly rewarding. The Speech Arts building became my second home. If I wasn’t in the editing booth chances are I was on my phone conducting an interview… I definitely learned to multi-task. Through the MCJ department and Dr. Gary Rice’s Community Journalism course I was able to write articles for newspapers throughout the valley, including the Visalia Times Delta and Sanger Herald. In two years, I have had nearly 50 stories published and a million memories made. I spent my last year of college interning at ABC 30. I have been able to study how top-notch reporters and producers bring us the news everyday. It has been a great ride!
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on pursuing a career in broadcast journalism. I hope to be able to bring the great people of Fresno the news everyday. This is a community that I understand and love. I have been a news junkie my entire life. It combines all my loves: politics, history, entertainment, and sports. I also hope to continue my print journalism work because it has gotten in my blood. But, I don’t have a crystal ball. I don’t know what my future holds. I do have faith that I will be led down a happy and fulfilling path.
Do you have any advice for incoming students?
Work hard. Take advantage of your time at Fresno State. The university offers many opportunities to gain real world experiences, but they don’t come to you. You have to find them. Enjoy college and remember soak everything in because once you graduate you’re pushed out into a real big world.
Name: Narine Goukasian
Major: Master’s in Social Work, Pupil Personnel Credential in School Social Work, Child Welfare and Attendance, and School Counseling
What was your favorite college experience?
My favorite college experience was my internship this year as a School Social Worker Intern at Vinland Elementary and Baird Middle School, within the Fresno Unified Department of Prevention and Intervention.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently employed as a Medical Social Worker and I will begin my career as a Social Worker Practitioner in Child Welfare Services after graduation.
Do you have any advice for incoming students?
Pursue your ambitions within your field of interest.