Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Zhanna Bagdasarov and Marine Ekezyan
Staff Writers
Sevag Tateosian
Major: Criminology-Law Enforcement
Minor: Armenian Studies
How has getting an Armenian Studies minor and taking Armenian Studies courses influenced you as an individual?
The Armenian Studies Program, through its Armenian courses, has positively influenced me tremendously. The classes I took made me realize that Armenia and Armenians have always been the underdogs, yet they have survived and prevailed. Despite being conquered by bigger and stronger empires and kingdoms, Armenians always seemed to come through and become independent, somehow and someway, they are fighters. Today, that is my take on life. No matter what life throws my way, I am still going to smile and continue my efforts to succeed. Had I not taken Armenian courses, and learned about the Arab invasions, the Persian wars and the Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Turks, I would not think about life this way.
How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies program?
Dr. Dickran Kouymjian and Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian really played a huge part in bringing out a side of me that I did not think I had. Professor Der Mugrdechian and Dr. Kouymjian had faith in me and always wanted me to push myself and to do the best I can. After listening to their remarks, I did push myself and I found that not only did my G.P.A. skyrocket, but, I became involved in various community activities around the City of Fresno. I still remember my first experience with the Armenian Studies Program, when Dr. Kouymjian said to me after a test, “Mr. Tateosian, you are very intelligent and you can get far in life if you simply apply yourself and work hard at what you do.” Well, Dr. Kouymjian, I am applying myself now and I know that nothing is out of reach; I just have to want it and work hard at getting it.
What is the most memorable experience of your college career?
All of it! I loved and will remember every minute of it. Whether it was meeting new people or studying late at night I will not forget any of it. I think college is a place that everyone who can, should attend. It is an unbelievable experience. You see it all. People and their actions will always shock you, as you never know how they will act next.
Tatevik Ekezian
Major: Psychology
Minor: Armenian Studies
How has getting an Armenian Studies minor and taking Armenian Studies courses influenced you as an individual?
I have gained a significant amount of knowledge about Armenian history, art, dance and politics. I feel that my overall knowledge has been enhanced and that I have also been greatly influenced through this learning process.
How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies program?
Through the Armenian Studies Program, I became involved with ASO not only as a member but as the Vice President. I also became involved with the HyeOozh Radio Show based out of Fresno State. It has provided new experiences and has helped me grow as an individual.
How has taking Armenian Studies classes helped your understanding of the Armenian culture?
Learning more about the history and art of the culture and increased involvement with the Armenian community has helped provide me with a deeper understanding of my culture and its people.
What is the most memorable experience of your college career?
Every moment spent with my friends has been a memorable one. One that seems to stand out is Winter Formal 2003, put together by the Armenian Students Organization. All the meetings we’ve had at Dominion Pizza Parlor and the fun time we had washing cars to raise money for our organization.
Christopher Tozlian
Majors: History and Business Accounting Option
Minors: Armenian Studies and Classical Studies
How has getting an Armenian Studies minor and taking Armenian Studies courses influenced you as an individual?
The numerous Armenian Studies classes that I have taken have structured my understanding of what it means to be Armenian. Though I grew up an Armenian in Fresno, there were various aspects of Armenian culture that I have only been exposed to because of the Armenian Studies classes that I have taken (e.g. Armenian arts, ancient Armenian history, etc.)
How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies program?
The ASP provided a “constant” of sorts throughout my college career. Taking an Armenian Studies class each semester of my college career really reminded me of my heritage on a daily basis. Furthermore, it provided an outlet for making new friends on a large college campus.
How has taking Armenian Studies classes helped your understanding of the Armenian culture?
These classes have broadened my overall understanding of the Armenian culture. My knowledge base regarding Armenian Studies has increased twenty-fold since I began my undergraduate work at Fresno State, and it has also given me a greater appreciation for my heritage.
What is the most memorable experience of your college career?
There are too many memorable experiences to recount; but may I say that there’s nothing like getting up bright and early on a Saturday morning and spending nine hours of your Saturday in a weekend course with Dr. Dickran Kouymjian.
Dikran Chekian
Major: Business Administration-Entrepreneurship
Minor: Armenian Studies
How has getting an Armenian Studies minor and taking Armenian Studies courses influenced you as an individual?
Taking courses in Armenian Studies has drawn me closer to my heritage. I have learned and have grown over these past years; it has allowed me to embrace our culture and share it with others.
How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies program?
At times it definitely made it more demanding! Being the webmaster, and also photographing and laying out Hye Sharzhoom, required more attention and involvement – none of which, at any point, have I regretted. The experiences I have had are life-long.
How has taking Armenian Studies classes helped your understanding of the Armenian culture?
Understanding the Armenian culture is far beyond taking history and language courses. The great thing about Armenian Studies courses and the ASP is that it takes you beyond these and exposes students to the richness of our culture, by introducing dance and music, folk tale and art. The courses helped me recognize how and why we are different; how and why Armenians are who we are!
What is the most memorable experience of your college career?
Becoming ASO President gave me the opportunity to work with the students and put together events that left lasting impressions on people. I remember when I was 12 years old, I attended ASO’s 80th April 24th Genocide Commemoration and I remember the feeling I had seeing the community and the students rallying together. And today, I was a part of that; I hope I have left the same positive impressions on others that were left on me.
Graduates
Mitchell Peters
Major: Mass Communication and Journalism
How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program?
Throughout my five years at Fresno State, I was only able to take one Armenian Studies course. Through that class, however, I learned very much about my Armenian heritage. The Armenian Studies Program has also enabled me to meet many new people within the Armenian community and at Fresno State. For this I am very grateful.The Hye Sharzhoom has also been an excellent tool in displaying my writing. It was the first publication that published my writing, and provided me with inspiration to pursue an academic career in journalism. We are very lucky to have such an excellent Armenian Studies program here at Fresno State.
What is the most memorable experience of your college career?
I’ve had a few memorable experiences here at Fresno State; it’s difficult to name just one. If I had to pick only one, however, it was the moment I realized that going to college wasn’t a complete waste of my time. I always knew that I had to go to college for one reason or another, but it wasn’t until this last year that I found my place and interests within journalism and writing. So yes, that’s my most memorable experience. Not very funny or exciting, but meaningful nonetheless.
Jayson Emerian
Major: MechanicalEngineering
How has taking Armenian Studies courses influenced you as an individual?
Experiencing college is challenging and hard work. Being able to take several Armenian Studies classes was fun and exciting. It was the breath of fresh air that I needed from my engineering courses.
How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies program?
The history of the Armenians is so rich in stories and events. Learning about all of those different historical events and how the Armenians have overcome so many adversaries was very enriching in my life.
What is the most memorable experience of your college career?
Getting married two weeks before finals started and having to concentrate in Armenian Language class. I am glad that is over with.
What are your future plans?
I am currently working toward becoming a General Contractor and also taking classes towards a Masters in Engineering. I eventually plan on teaching at the college level, being a great Christian role model to my children, and enjoying my time on earth before I go to my true home.
Hovig Torigian
Major: Kinesiology-Physical Education
How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies program?
The Armenian Studies Program paved the path for my college career. As a freshman I began to take many courses, which allowed me to meet many new people, and experience new things coming out of high school.
How has taking Armenian Studies classes helped your understanding of the Armenian culture?
There are many things you think you know about the Armenian culture just because you are Armenian. You then realize what you knew was not a lot, and recognize all the sacrifices that were made in the past for there to be a today.
What is the most memorable experience of your college career?
Every semester brought many memorable experiences, but I am sure graduation day will be the most memorable, because of the joy it will bring to my family. I also would like to say thank you to everyone who invested time in me throughout my college career. Had it not been for you, this day would not be possible
What are your future plans?
I will begin to pursue my ambition as a college basketball coach, and hope to one day return to my alma mater.
Paul David Bedrosian
Major: Agricultural Business
How has taking Armenian Studies courses influenced you?
The Armenian Studies Program for me was a great way to meet other Armenians attending Fresno State. Before I started college, I was totally unaware of how large the Armenian Studies Program was. It has made a great impact on me and other students as well.
How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies program?
The Program offers many different Armenian culture classes. If I mentioned everything that I learned about my culture in these classes, my response would be a page long. I really enjoyed learning the basics of the Armenian language, something that I was never taught when I was younger.
What is the most memorable experience of your college career?
I don’t think I had just one memorable experience that stood out; instead I just really enjoyed all the time that was spent with friends. One memorable experience, which was an everyday occurrence: trying to find parking. I am glad I’ll never have to deal with that again.
What are your future plans?
After graduating, I’ll begin working on the family farms in Fowler. Eventually I will handle most of grower relations at National Raisin Company.