Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Compiled by Sara Beberian
Eddy Thurber
Political Science
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
My grandparents did not teach my parents Armenian, hoping that they would fit into an English-speaking society and succeed. It worked and I grew up knowing my family’s history but wanting to learn our mother tongue. I decided to take Armenian Studies courses to learn Armenian history, to learn the Armenian language, and to take advantage of the Armenian Studies scholarships.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite class was Armenian 1B, Elementary Armenian, where I learned to read and write Armenian and speak at a basic level. I had always wanted to learn Armenian but thought I may never be able to. I nearly teared up when I read a full page of Armenian script for the first time.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
Through the Armenian Studies Program, I studied in Yerevan, Armenia at the American University of Armenia for a semester. The connections and education I received there will last me a lifetime and it was incredibly meaningful to spend time in Armenia and explore the city and countryside.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to get to work! I currently work two jobs, one for an Armenian-owned construction company and one for an Armenian Church. I love my work and plan to continue in those fields moving forward.
Jenna Markarian
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I decided to take an Armenian Studies course because I wanted to understand more about my culture and the history of my people. I realized the classes offered at Fresno State were great opportunities to learn.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
One of my favorites was the Arts of Armenia class. I felt it had the perfect combination of history, culture, and deeper understanding of Armenian artistry that kept me engaged and interested. It was fun learning about church architecture that is still prevalent today.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
It is a great blessing to even have this opportunity at Fresno State. If it wasn’t for the hardworking professors, administration, and students that are willing to learn, this Program wouldn’t be as outstanding as it is. I enjoy the fact the Central Valley has an Armenian community that is seeking to better understand its culture. I also really enjoy the special lecturers who come onto campus and give talks on various Armenian-related subjects. It allows for students to be a part of the ongoing Armenian discussion in the professional world.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on applying to a professional school in the medical field, either to become a physician’s assistant or to become a physician. I hope to remain in the Central Valley for most of my career so that I can stay close to the Armenian community I was raised and educated here and would like to be able to give back to this community in some way.
Christine Pambukyan
Nursing
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
Growing up, I was always interested in learning more about Armenia and Armenian culture. However, what really encouraged me to take an Armenian Studies course was my first trip to Armenia in 2018. I wanted to learn more about the beautiful historical monuments and art, learn how to read and write in Armenian, and be more informed about Armenian authors and historical figures. After taking Armenian Studies 20-Arts of Armenia and Armenian 1A-Armenian Language, I grew to love our Armenian courses and ended up minoring in Armenian studies.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I enjoyed every course I took to fulfill my Minor, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be the Armenian Summer Study Trip 2023. Our group of eleven students, led by Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, had the trip of a lifetime. I enjoyed visiting the churches and monuments we learned about in our Armenian Studies courses and exploring Armenia together. I hope our group continues to stay close, as I will hold the memories we have made close to my heart.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I value our professors the most from my experience in the Armenian Studies Program. Professor Der Mugrdechian and Professor Hagop Ohanessian have taught me everything I know about Armenian history, art, literature, and language. I appreciate their efforts in keeping Armenian history, art, and language alive through their lectures and involvement in the community.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to work as a registered nurse on the Medical Surgical Oncology unit at Clovis Community Medical Center. After gaining some experience as a registered nurse, I hope to return to Fresno State to obtain my master’s degree in nursing and become a family nurse practitioner. I also hope to help the Armenian community of Fresno through the medical field with my knowledge of Armenian culture and language that I have learned through the Armenian Studies Program and my life as an Armenian-American in Fresno.