Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Ruzan Orkusyan
Staff Writer
Each year new students integrate themselves into the bustling Armenian culture by taking classes offered by the Armenian Studies Program, joining the Armenian Students Organization, or writing for Hye Sharzhoom. They bring with them fresh ideas and new insights that add to the diverse Armenian population. This new “Meet our Students” section, is a place students can voice their opinions and express their personalities. These are students who will carry on the traditions of the Armenian culture in the years to come.
Armen Arikian
Psychology Major
1. What do you like most about Fresno State?
I really enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the campus and the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people.
2. How and why do you take part in Armenian community activities?
I believe it is important for the Armenian community in Fresno to unite and proudly represent our culture. I try to volunteer in various activities at my church or at any of the local festivals.
3. What do you want to contribute to ASO, to Fresno State, and to the community?
I plan to stay active in ASO. I would love for the group to grow larger and more influential in the Armenian community. I hope my volunteering in the events will help make that goal a reality. After Fresno State I will take the knowledge I have gained from my experiences in ASO and from my studies and I will stay devoted and active in the Armenian community for as long as I possibly can.
4. Why do you think it is important for your generation to stay actively involved in the community?
If our generation isn’t active in the community, then how will future generations be able to stay active? It would be very sad to see the Armenian culture vanish from the Fresno community, therefore it should be a priority of every Armenian to contribute to and express their Armenian pride.
Andrew Esguerra
Marketing Major, Armenian Studies Minor
1. What do you like most about Fresno State?
That would be a tie between Fresno State ice cream and the ASO. Now that it’s getting chilly, ASO has a slight advantage.
2. How and why do you take part in Armenian community activities?
Learning the language, and going to events for Armenian organizations (ASO, Holy Trinity, Charlie Keyan Armenian School) is important in keeping the Armenian community active. Just having fun while doing my part.
3. What do you want to contribute to ASO, to Fresno State, and to the community?
A drive to participate and support what you think is important. Armenians students should participate in Armenian oriented activities to keep the culture and organizations flourishing. That’s my attitude and I hope I can pass it on to others.
4. Why do you think it is important for your generation to stay actively involved in the community?
We are in line to keep the Armenian community alive and if we drop the ball with passing on our culture, it may fade away.
Denise Altounian
Political Science Major
1. What do you like most about Fresno State?
It’s a big enough campus that I can get the true “college experience,” but small enough that my classes are relatively small, my professors are accessible, and I recognize faces around campus.
2. How and why do you take part in Armenian community activities?
I joined the Armenian Students Organization in hopes of becoming more connected to the Armenian community. I am also now a volunteer at the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School.
3. What do you want to contribute to ASO, to Fresno State, and to the community?
I hope to help ASO grow and become a more active club on campus. I look forward to becoming more engaged in the Armenian community and being able to say I made a difference in preserving and showcasing all the things the Armenian culture has to offer.
4. Why do you think it is important for your generation to stay actively involved in the community?
I’ve noticed that many Armenian youth have become disconnected from their culture. I think it important to carry on the traditions that the generations before us worked so hard to preserve. We don’t want to be the generation that lost those traditions. We are such a proud culture so it is important that my generation work hard to carry that on.