Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Michael Rettig
Editor
As the semester draws to an end, three Fresno State students studying abroad at the American University of Armenia are preparing to return to Fresno. Cole Egoian, Stephen Gonzalez, and Yervand Boyajyan were awarded the Kashian Family Scholarship to spend the Spring 2018 semester in Yerevan. This scholarship provided them the opportunity to not only study at an Armenian university, but to visit historic sites, interact with locals, and make personal connections with Armenians.
Egoian, Gonzalez, and Boyajyan all shared their initial reflections of Armenia in the March issue of Hye Sharzhoom. Since then, they have grown more accustomed to living in Yerevan. “One thing that has definitely changed is how comfortable I am in Yerevan now. I feel like I have been living here my entire life,” said Boyajyan, who spent his early childhood in Yerevan.
Gonzalez noted that he will miss his adventures in Yerevan when he returns home. “This is the longest time I’ve spent in a major city, and it has been exciting.” Egoian echoed this sentiment, “People are always out and about and the city is always lively.”
Egoian and Gonzalez, who are not native Armenian speakers, have been taking Armenian classes at AUA. “I cannot yet speak fluently,” Gonzalez explained, “but I can read and write quite well.”
Their lessons have helped them interact with locals. Egoian fondly recalled one of his trips to the GUM open air fruit market. “I practiced my broken Armenian with them and they became excited and engaged.”
One of the first connections Egoian and Gonzalez made was with the bartender at a local Irish pub. “Every time we visit, he walks to up to us, gives us a big hug, and asks how we are doing,” said Gonzalez. Egoian noted that they were cordially invited to the pub’s 10th year anniversary celebration.
Boyajyan’s most meaningful personal connection has been with his relatives in Yerevan. “I became closer with my cousins and I will miss my relatives when I leave, but I know we will maintain this connection into the future.”
As part of their experience, AUA organized excursions for the students. They visited sites such as Garni, Geghard, Noravank, Tatev Monastery, the Erebuni fortress, and more.
Boyajyan’s favorite experience was visiting Noravank. “I was so amazed by the monastery. After studying in Professor Der Mugrdechian’s Arts of Armenia class, I dreamt about one day visiting. I got to see the famous relief of God, one of the rare times God was depicted in a relief.”
One of Gonzalez’s favorite experiences has been his interaction with professors at the AUA. “They are not afraid to speak their minds about global and local politics,” Gonzalez explained. “They provide a perspective we are not used to in the United States.”
Egoian, Gonzalez, and Boyajyan agreed that the experience helped them become more independent and cosmopolitan. Living abroad also helped them better appreciate what they have in America.
“I am now more appreciative of certain things I took for granted back home that are luxuries here,” Egoian said. When asked what they missed most about America, all three replied family, friends, and Mexican food.
“I spend a lot of time with my family in America, and not being able to for such a long time makes me appreciate them that much more,” Boyajyan remarked.
Egoian also misses his family, but is appreciative of the opportunity he had to connect with his father’s family roots.