Congratulations Graduating Seniors and Armenian Studies Minors for 2013-2014

What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
Part of the reason I wanted to attend Fresno State was because I had heard there was a good Armenian Studies Program. I wanted to learn more about my culture and my family’s history, so I decided to make it my Minor.
What do you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I loved learning about the architecture and the churches, as well as the ancient art. I valued everything I learned in all of my classes, and it has made me want to do my own research outside of class.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I can’t decide which class was my favorite—I loved them all. I really loved the language course—it was so much fun to learn the alphabet and conversation starters. I also really loved the Arts of Armenia class, in addition to the Armenian Diaspora class that Professor Bournoutian taught a few years ago.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on going back to school to get a nursing degree, then after that, I would like to pursue a Masters in Medical Anthropology.

What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite event will probably be an upcoming trip to Armenia with the Armenian Studies Program, but if I had to choose one that already happened, I would probably say taking Dr. Sona Haroutyunian’s class on “The Armenian Genocide in Literature, Cinema, and Translation.” I learned a lot and enjoyed it.
What are your plans after graduation?
I would like to get a job in the writing field, and become a published author.

What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies event(s) was the lecture and film series put on through the Armenian Studies Program. My personal favorite was seeing a documentary entitled “Grandma’s Tattoos” by Suzanne Khardalian. I particularly enjoyed this film because I felt an immediate connection to the main character’s struggle to understand the mysteries and pain of her family’s past, and her resentment over the world’s self-inflicted ignorance over the events that transpired in and around Armenia in 1915.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on attending law school at UC Hastings to pursue a Juris Doctor, with an emphasis in either Constitutional or International Law.

What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I was encouraged to take an Armenian Studies course to gain the knowledge of Armenian language, art, culture, and history that the classes have to offer. I was excited to participate in these classes for the opportunity to connect with other students who had an interest in the subject matter, and broaden my own horizons beyond simply my major courses. The opportunity to work towards my career in my classes is very beneficial, but the opportunity to learn more about myself, my family, and my culture, is fulfilling and has motivated me to continue being active in the Armenian Studies Program.
What do you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I most value the knowledge that I have grasped from my experience in the Armenian Studies Program, whether through the classes, the Hye Sharzhoom, or the Armenian Students Organization. Also appreciated is the recognition and support that I have received from the community members, both indirectly, with the generous contributions to the department, and directly, for providing positive feedback for the Hye Sharzhoom.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies event would have to be the Annual Banquet, where one can see a majority of the students, educators, and supporters that make the department what it is today.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to travel this coming summer, and then look for work in my field of study. I would also look forward to getting involved in the community, my church, and a few organizations.

What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
The ASO Genocide Commemoration Week activities have always been the highlight of the year. We come together to put on events that entertain and educate, all the while growing closer as friends, students, and Armenians.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on working at a design firm or ad agency in Fresno.

What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite course was Arts of Armenia that I took my first semester as a Fresno State student with Professor Der Mugrdechian. This was my first course in Armenian Studies and it prepared me immensely for Armenia 120T, our excursion to Armenia, which was an amazing experience.
What are your plans after graduation?
I would like to study abroad in Greece over the summer and begin a doctoral program in Physical Therapy in August. I have been accepted to Idaho State University and am very excited to become a healthcare professional in this growing field.

What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I was always looking for opportunities to get more connected to my culture and I thought that taking an Armenian Studies course would be the perfect introduction.
What do you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I am forever grateful to the Armenian Studies Program for allowing me the opportunity to fully embrace my Armenian culture. I have learned so much more than I ever imagined in the past four years. Thanks to this program I can now read and write Armenian, I traveled to Armenia, attended countless fascinating lectures and met the most amazing people. The Armenian community as a whole really adopted me as one of their own and made my time in Fresno one that I will never forget.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
By far my favorite experience was traveling to Armenia in the summer of 2011, with the Armenian Studies Program. I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to go to Armenia, let alone see so many historic sites in one trip. It was the experience of a lifetime to see the country that my dad grew up in and left so many years ago.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be taking the next school year off to prepare for the LSAT exam and apply to law school. My goal is to be enrolled in a law school in Southern California by Fall 2015.

What was your favorite Armenian studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite event/activity was the International Coffee Hour and International Culture Night. Preparing for the International Coffee Hour presentation allowed me to learn more about my history. It was challenging, but also thrilling preparing a dance number for the International Culture Night, I had never done something similar and it was exciting to share our hard work with our friends and classmates. Both events allowed me not only to learn more about my culture, but also to share my love of Armenia and Armenian traditions with the Fresno State community, and I am so happy that I was able to participate in both.
What are you plans after graduation?
I will be attending the UC Irvine School of Medicine for my M.D. degree. I plan on returning to Fresno after my training to use my multicultural and multilingual background to help the underserved and diverse communities of Fresno.

Photos:
Cary Edmonson, Campus Photographer
Barlow Der Mugrdechian