Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Sarah Soghomonian
Staff Report
A smiling new face greets visitors at the Armenian Studies Program office. The friendly face belongs to Kati Litten, the Program’s new administrative assistant.
Litten, a 1983 Fresno State graduate, is adjusting to the new position after being out of the working world for years while raising her children. “I’m learning to readjust my life,” Litten said. “I don’t know if I thought I’d ever go back to work.”
It was Litten’s two teenage children who inspired her to make the return. “My kids are getting older and I’m concerned about the empty nest syndrome,” she commented. Litten admits that keeping an active department organized is hard work. “The first couple of weeks were tough,” she said. “My biggest goal right now is to get it down, so that it runs smoothly, like a well-oiled machine.”
Litten found out about the administrative assistant position while working briefly at the Kennel Bookstore. “I didn’t know that Fresno State had an Armenian Studies Program until I got this job,” she said. “I think it’s great.”
Growing up in Fresno allowed Litten to be familiar with Armenian culture, but working in the department is broadening her knowledge. “I’m learning all things Armenian,” she said. “I learned the word “Hye” means Armenian.”
One thing Litten was already familiar with was delicious Armenian food. “The Armenian string cheese is to die for,” she said. All in all Litten admits that returning to work has been challenging, but fun. “Sometimes change is hard,” she said. “But change is good.”