Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Haverj Stanboulian
Staff Writer
Seroun Mouradian
Senior
Major: Environ. Science
I believe maintaining Armenian identity in the United States is dependent on speaking our language first and foremost, following the values our parents instilled in us, keeping the family close, going to Armenian church and to Armenian functions such as festivals and bazaars, and wanting to know and learn more about our culture and history.
Garine Kendoyan
Junior
Major: Electrical Eng.
Many of us consider ourselves Armenians just because we have the Ian or Yan ending in our last name. However, carrying an Armenian last name to identify ourselves as Armenians is not enough to maintain our identity. We need to know our language and history. We are Armenians today because our ancestors did the impossible to teach and pass the language to the next generation, so we should do the same to maintain and embrace our identity. Also we should learn our history, our beliefs, and our cause, to know what makes us unique.
Joseph Kouchoukian
Junior
Major: Accountancy
The best way to maintain our Armenian identity is through practice. Being a part of our community and learning about the faith, food, history, language, and how to write in Armenian. You then will be able to visit Armenia as an Armenian.
Sosse Kendoyan
Junior
Major: Biology
One of the things Armenians take pride in is the language, as Armenian is not just like other languages. It is what has kept us surviving all these centuries. In order to maintain the Armenian identity in the United States or in the Diaspora in general, the only key is in our language.