Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Rita-Marie Costanian
Social Work
Minor in Armenian Studies
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I valued learning about the history of my culture. Being Armenian has made me who I am today, and I truly enjoyed and appreciated having the opportunity to further my education about my heritage.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies class was Armenian Studies 20, Arts of Armenia, because I gained knowledge about Armenian church architecture, manuscript painting, and artwork that I had never learned about before.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to attend USC to receive my Master’s Degree in Social Work.
Do you have any advice to incoming students?
Enjoy your time at Fresno State because it will fly by.
Lauren Hoekstra
Exercise Science
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
My grandparents, as well as close family members encouraged me to take Armenian Studies classes. As a freshman, my close family friend Debbie Cloud told me it would bring me closer to the Armenian community and teach me about my heritage.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I learned so much about my culture and in doing so found so many close friends that I share an Armenian connection with. There is nothing like that Armenian connection and what better way to find it than through knowledge.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian studies class was the Armenian language class. I really enjoyed learning the alphabet, reading the script, and being able to share that with my grandparents. It has been such a joy and a blessing to be able to share my involvement in the Armenian Studies Program with my grandmother, Charlotte Kasparian.
What are your plans after graduation? My plans after graduation are to become an example of health and wellness for all of my generation. I am currently in the process of opening and managing an exercise studio with my mother, called “The Bar Method,” where I will be instructing full time. Come and join me for a therapeutic workout!
Phillip Der Mugrdechian
History
Minor in Armenian Studies
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I loved learning the Armenian language, as well as gaining a more in depth look at Armenian culture and history.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
By far, the best part of my experience in the Armenian Studies Program was actually traveling to Armenia for a study abroad course. It was a truly amazing experience that I will never forget.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on continuing my education in the field of history.
Do you have any advice to incoming students?
Try to branch out and experience new things, such as the Armenian Studies Program. You won’t regret your decision.
Tania Kasparian
Mass Communications and Journalism, Advertising
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
The beauty of my race, culture, and religion, as well as my thirst to learn more about it was what got me to take an Armenian Studies course.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
Armenian Studies has given me a great amount of information about Armenia and its people that I wasn’t aware of. It has also helped me answer the many questions I had about my unique people that I can now share with my children and those around me.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite class was Armenian 148, Masterpieces of Armenian Culture. I took this class with my sister and it was so much fun learning about the many folktales and stories we read. The authors were so creative, and it was just another reason for me to be even more proud of my culture.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on becoming very successful in the world of advertising and giving back to those in need. I will also continue to be involved within the Armenian community and dedicate more time to it.
Hagop Ohanessian
MA in History
ASO President
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
It has helped me appreciate who I am as an Armenian and it makes me feel proud of being Armenian. The Armenian Studies courses have helped shape my Armenian identity and culture,
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
Being active in the Armenian Students Organization, and going to Armenia with Professor Barlow and other students in the Program.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plan after graduation is to enter law school in the fall.
Do you have any advice to incoming students?
Get involved in the Armenian Studies Program by taking courses and becoming active leaders in the Armenian Students Organization. It is the best thing that happened to me, and it will be the same for you.
Tamar Karkazian
Business Administration-
Sports Marketing Option
ASO President, Public Relations Officer
Hye Sharzhoom Editor
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
What I valued most from the Armenian Studies Program was being able to take something I learned in an Armenian Studies course, and share it with those around me through ASO and Hye Sharzhoom. I loved the fact that we had many opportunities to get involved with our culture outside of class.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
Although there was a lot I enjoyed, I have to say being able to work on Hye Sharzhoom was probably my favorite part of the program. Being able to share the successes of the Armenian Studies Program with others was great.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will move to Los Angeles with my sister and start marketing in the Sports Industry. I am still trying to decide whether to work at the collegiate or professional level.
Do you have any advice to incoming students?
Fresno State has a lot to offer, so find something you love to do and get involved with it.
Mounah Saksouk
Psychology
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I was encouraged to take an Armenian Studies course by a few Armenian friends that I made back home in Los Angeles. I wanted to learn the Armenian language in order to communicate with them.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
My experiences taking Armenian Studies courses has made me value the rich and historical culture of Armenia, the Armenian people, and the
Armenian spirit of unity and survival.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian class would have to be Masterpieces of Armenian Literature. Reading excerpts from various literary works and poems broadened my perspective and introduced me to new knowledge. Also, Dr. La Porta made the class very interesting.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plan after graduation is to pursue a Masters degree in International Relations.
Do you have any advice to incoming students?
My advice to incoming students is to get engaged in your courses, educate yourself outside of the classroom about important topics you find interesting in class, and participate in the guest lecturer presentations. You will truly find an minor in Armenian Studies exciting.