Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Jaime Cardenas
Psychology
Minor in Armenian Studies
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
I believe my involvement in the Armenian Studies Program greatly enriched my college experience. It broadened my horizons and allowed me to take part in a world I might otherwise not have known. I feel very fortunate to have been a participant in the Armenian Studies Program.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
The class that intrigued me the most was the introductory course, Armenian Studies 10. I originally took this course to fulfill a GE requirement, but it was this course that engrossed me in the world of Armenian Studies. I became fascinated by all things Armenian and continue to be.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Ideally, I would like to enroll in a graduate program to obtain a Masters degree in counseling.
Faten Myaznih-Kassabian
Communication; Minor in Biology
Armenian Students Organization: President, Treasurer, & Public Relations Officer
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
My involvement with the Armenian Studies Program has affected my college experience tremendously. I was involved with ASO, first as Treasurer, then as Public Relations officer, and finally as President. Each of the positions was a great experience—but being President was the most memorable. I became a better communicator and gained leadership skills that will benefit me for the future. I am extremely proud and honored to have been a part of such an excellent program here at Fresno State.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite class was Armenian 148, Masterpieces of Armenian Culture, taught by one of our great professors, Dr. La Porta. I’m half Armenian and the class really broadened my view on our beautiful heritage. It brought out the past that I was not too familiar with. One of the events that I consider my favorite, and makes me proud, is the Armenian Genocide Commemoration. We spread awareness about our culture, heritage, and history.
What are your plans for after graduation?
My goal is to become a Registered Nurse. Caring for others has always been my passion and I am waiting to see what path God has planned for me.
Adrina Shamlian
Biology-Anatomy and Physiology
Minor in Armenian Studies
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
I really enjoyed learning about my Armenian ancestry. I now have more background knowledge on my heritage that I can share with friends. I also have a greater appreciation for my forefathers: the people who fought for our Christian faith.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
Arts of Armenia was my favorite class because I had the opportunity to learn about Armenian architecture and miniatures. It was very interesting.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I was accepted to USC Dental School in Southern California and will be starting there in the Fall of 2012. I will be getting married this summer as well.
Stephanie Cassidy
Chemistry (cum laude)
Armenian Students Organization: Public Relations Officer
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
My involvement greatly affected my college experience. For example, I was awarded multiple scholarships for enrolling in Armenian Studies classes. In addition, I was able to be “a screamer” – an advocate to raising cultural awareness of the events of the Armenian Genocide in 1915.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
It was a mix off all the classes, activities, and events I participated in. Because I am half Armenian each experience allowed me to gain knowledge about my culture, where my family came from, how to read, write and speak to my family members in the Armenian language and also in various other places, such as church or at work.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan to move to Hillsboro, Oregon where I’ll start Pharmacy school in August at The Pacific University School of Pharmacy, Oregon. Once I obtain my Doctor of Pharmacy I will continue to practice as a licensed pharmacist.
Heidi Lea
Political Science
Minor in Armenian Studies
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
My involvement in the Armenian Studies Program was really important to my college experience. It was a good opportunity to learn more about my heritage. I also met a lot of people through my involvement in the Armenian Studies Program that have made my time at Fresno State a fun experience.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies class and event was the trip to Armenia this past summer (2011). This was one of the most memorable things I have done through the Program and I really enjoyed getting to visit the country and experience the culture that I had learned about in my classes.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan on attending the American University of Paris to study Middle Eastern Studies. I hope to use what I learned in my Armenian Studies classes to help me succeed in my graduate studies.
Mari Koshkakaryan
Chemistry
Hye Sharzhoom Staff Writer
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
My involvement with the Armenian Studies Program had a tremendous effect on my college experience. I was able to learn the history of the Armenian culture and the Armenian people from the start. In addition, I always felt a connection to the topics being discussed in class, and those courses had a positive influence on my other courses.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I truly enjoyed every course that I took in Armenian Studies. However, my Armenian language course (ARM1A) was probably the most beneficial. I came to America as a little girl and started school here, so my Armenian reading and writing skills weren’t good. Although I speak the language fluently, I was thankful for the course because it allowed me to learn and progress in reading and writing.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll be attending UOP Pharmacy School in the Fall of 2012 for my PharmD. After working in the pharmacy as a technician, I have developed a great passion for the career and am excited to further my career in the field.
Janik Oganesyan
Biology
Minor in Armenian Studies and Gerontology
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
Not only was my involvement in the Armenian Studies Program beneficial to my college experience, it also reminded me to take part in Armenian activities, with other Armenians.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event? Why?
My favorite Armenian Studies class was Arts of Armenia (Arms 20). The class covered different arts, sculptures, buildings, and much more. The architecture of our churches are amazing and cannot be compared to other churches because they are in their own category of amazing. I am also glad to haven taken part in the yearly commemoration of the Armenian Genocide held in the Free Speech area. It tears me up inside that our people have suffered so much.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am planning on attending a Pharmacy school after graduation.