Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Michael Rettig
Editor
The purpose of an education is, in part, to expand the students’ mind by allowing them to experience the views and perspectives of others. There is perhaps no better way to accomplish this than by studying abroad in a foreign country.
Three students from the Armenian Studies Program, Cole Egoian, Stephen Gonzalez, and Yervand Boyajyan, were awarded the Kashian Family Scholarship to spend the Spring 2018 semester in Yerevan. The Edward M. and Jeanne C. Kashian Family Foundation established a scholarship in 2016 to foster an exchange of students between the American University of Armenia (AUA) and Fresno State. The scholarship covers travel, housing, and tuition fees for eligible Fresno State students to spend a semester in Armenia.
Before embarking on their journey, Egoian, Gonzalez, and Boyajyan anticipated the potential for self-development that studying in Armenia would provide. Gonzalez expected that living among and learning about the Armenian people would help him grow both personally and academically. “I will not squander the opportunity to walk amidst the living history of an ancient people and culture.”
Egoian echoed the sentiment that studying abroad would “broaden my horizons and help me grow as a person.” He noted that he was especially eager for this opportunity as a fourth-generation Armenian-American returning to his homeland for the first time. “A large part of understanding who one is as a person is understanding where one’s forbearers came from,” Egoian said. “Taking Armenian Studies courses at Fresno State was an eye-opening experience for me, but living in Armenia will give me an even greater understanding of my culture.”
Boyajyan, who was born in Yerevan, was eager to return to his country of birth after living thirteen years in America. “Not only am I getting a chance to visit my home country, but it is also an opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious universities in Armenia. Education has always played a key role in my life and I have always loved my country. This trip is combining two of my favorite things.”
Egoian, Gonzalez, and Boyajyan have now been in Armenia for three months, and have settled into their daily routines. Boyajyan has enjoyed reconnecting with his friends and family, who have taken him to sites such as Etchmiadzin, St. Gayane, and Zvartnots. He appreciates visiting historical sites that he had learned about first-hand in Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian’s classes.
Egoian similarly credited the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State for his ability to recognize certain buildings and sites, such as the Madenataran, during his walks through Yerevan. One of his most rewarding experiences was walking to the top of the Cascade for a commanding view of Yerevan and Mt. Ararat. “It was definitely a moving experience,” Egoian noted.
Gonzalez has enjoyed exploring the various parks, restaurants, and shops around Yerevan. “Yerevan is a modern and beautiful city with a lot to do and see.” According to Gonzalez, the AUA campus is about the size of the Henry Madden Library at Fresno State, which creates a more intimate environment. All three participants agreed that the educational experience at the AUA is similar to their experience at Fresno State. One of the challenges for Gonzalez and Egoian has been the language barrier, though they are both studying Armenian.
Living in a foreign country is an education in and of itself, and the Kashian Family Scholarship is playing an important role in cultivating the personal and academic development of Fresno State students interested in Armenian culture.