Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Name: Svetlana Bagdasarov
Major: Social Work
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I decided to pursue an Armenian Studies minor in order to increase my knowledge of my culture. I can honestly say that everything that I have learned about my heritage was a direct result of my participation in numerous Armenian Studies classes.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most and why?
I truly enjoyed each and every Armenian Studies course offered during my undergraduate career. However, the class that influenced me the most would have to be Armenian Studies 20 (Arts of Armenia). The course not only expanded my knowledge on the various aspects of Armenian culture, but it also elaborated on the many things that make it so distinctive.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
Armenian Studies courses were a great addition to my academic curriculum. The courses enhanced my college experience by enabling me to become a well-rounded individual through valuable information acquired outside of my field of study.
What was your favorite college experience?
My most memorable college experience would have to be the year that I served as a Wellness Ambassador for the Wellness Ambassador Program here at Fresno State. Since I have chosen to pursue public health as my ultimate career ambition, the time I spent working as a Wellness Ambassador was definitely the field experience that I needed to help me hone my skills as a future public health professional.
What are your plans after graduation?
Graduate school is definitely on my list of priorities after I graduate. I am planning to pursue a master’s degree in public health in order to fulfill my dream of becoming a public health professional working in the public or the private sector.
Name: Ariana Kasparian
Major: Health Science (Option: Community Health)
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
A minor in Armenian Studies gave me the opportunity to learn so much more about my culture, religion and history. Going to church and being around Armenians does not necessarily teach you about where the history started and where things are today. I wanted to learn the language, as well as how to read and write. I wanted to learn about the country itself and all the history behind the architecture. Receiving my minor was an added bonus to going to college because I leave knowing more about myself then I came in with.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most and why?
The very first class I took my freshmen year was an Armenian Architecture class. I took this class with my older sister and we were truly inspired by this class. I learned the details of all the different styles of Armenian Churches, and also about Armenian manuscripts. Seeing all the architectural structure and beautiful relics made me appreciate my culture and where my family originated from even more than I already did. I have not had the opportunity to travel to Armenia, but when the time comes, I feel this class prepared me for what I will be seeing.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
Every course taken gave me a different type of knowledge. The Armenian Studies courses shaped my college education by presenting new material and teaching me about a variety of different things. They helped me stand out among my peers, because not only was I there to get a degree in something I love, but also to get a minor in something that is directly linked to me.
What was your favorite college experience?
The college experience in itself was an adventure, so it is hard to be able to pick just one. Those experiences stem from the classes I have taken, to the professors I have met and from all the obstacles along the way. College was a great experience, and I learned so much from the classes I took and from the people I met.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to take the summer off and relax for a while. I have applied for the Masters Program in Public Health Administration and I am hoping to be accepted into that program. If I am accepted into the program, I will begin in the fall and continue my education for another three years. While attending school I plan on interning and volunteering to gain the work experience needed to prepare me for my career ahead. I am very passionate about health and health education and I hope to be able to teach people one day.
Name: Gina S. Jelladian
Major: Real Estate & Urban Land Economics
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I love my culture and I wanted to study it.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most and why?
My favorite classes were the language classes, architecture, and the most recent Armenian Studies class with visiting professor Dr. Bournoutian.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
I took an Armenian Studies course nearly every semester during my college education, so it was a nice filler to space out all of my business classes. I’m not a huge fan of history, but all of the Armenian history, religion and literature of my people was invaluable!
What was your favorite college experience?
This – Graduating!
What are your plans after graduation?
I will continue running my gift and invitation boutique, RSVP, with my sister Stephanie. You can visit us anytime at the Palatine Building on Fresno and Alluvial – we do all types of party and wedding invitations and have a beautiful collection of gifts!
Name: Mary Madoyan
Major: Business Management
Minor: Armenian Studies
Why did you pursue an Armenian Studies Minor?
I pursued a minor in Armenian Studies because I wanted to learn more about my culture.
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most and why?
The Armenian Studies class that influenced me the most was Armenian history. Armenians have such a rich history; it was interesting to learn about everything they have gone through over the centuries. It is truly amazing that after all their struggles they still held on to their beliefs, language, and religion, and that today their still stands a country named Armenia.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
Armenian Studies courses have provided me with an abundance of information about Armenia and Armenians that I was never aware of. They have helped me answer many questions that I had about Armenians, and helped me fill in gaps where I only had bits and pieces of information growing up.
What was your favorite college experience?
My favorite part of college was getting to meet new people and making new friends. College allows you to network and meet people you probably would have never come in contact with outside of school.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take some time off and hopefully do some traveling. After my break, I am planning to find a management position in a hospital.
Name: Peter Petrosyan
Major: Business Management
What Armenian Studies class or classes influenced you the most and why?
All of the courses influenced me equally because they all had interesting information about Armenian culture.
How has taking Armenian Studies courses shaped your college education?
The courses helped me realize that understanding different cultures assists you in approaching ideas and solving problems with different perspectives.
What was your favorite college experience?
My favorite college experience was meeting teachers and students with similar interests.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation will be to find a career that supports my major, as well as pursue my MBA.