Depi HaykAlumni Newsletter

Fall Edition 2011

FROM IDEAS TO ACTIONSide by Side

Melissa Mazman (AVC ’11)

Story Highlights

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•From Ideas To Action

•Staff Corner

•Graduations

•Alumni News & Highlights

•From Wedding Bells .......

• ....... To Baby “Belles”

•Do the quiz, win a prize

•Pages From History

Until I came to Armenia, the country was an abstraction for me. I knew of its history, I was aware of its existence in my psyche, but none of it was tangible. The moment I got off the plane, the country, the land, the people, all materialized and became real. Initially, my plan was to spend five weeks in Yerevan with Birthright Armenia as a participant. I ended up staying for over four months. I was supposed to work at an institution called Ghoghanj which partners with local schools and receives references of socially disadvantaged children. It services

110 at-risk youth, offers them eleven classes, and has three psychologists on staff.

This sounded like the perfect organization and I was extremely excited to start working. Soon after starting to work at Ghoghanj, I realized that, although they did a wonderful job with the children, there was an important element missing. Many of the kids came from dysfunctional homes and spent their days bouncing from home, to schools, to Ghoghanj, with no one-on-one, long term, positive adult relationships in their lives. I believe that this lack of involvement isolates them from the larger world and deprives them of a sense of individuality, personal worth and consequence in the world.

As I did more research on similar local organizations, I realized the long-term role-modeling element was missing in them. No organization had the resources to provide every child with concentrated individual attention.

Instead of being disappointed, I saw this as a great opportunity to start something new. After all, the whole idea of coming to Armenia was to be of use and to try to make a difference. Regardless of their limitations, all these centers helped the children, kept them away from the streets, and endowed them with useful skills. Through Ghoghanj I discovered a need, and all I had to do was figure out a way to address it. This is the reason which propelled me to start Side-by-Side (Goghk-Goghki), a mentorship program based on the “Big Brothers, Big Sisters”, model and adapted to the social needs of Armenia. Among other things, it has two elements which are crucial for the development of the children, as well as of Armenia.

1. It allows young professional adults to become role models to socially disadvantaged youth for one year, andprovidesthesupport,confidence,motivationandlovetheyneedintheirlives

2. It advocates a culture of volunteerism in Armenia through community service, where mentors and mentees get to recruit other volunteers and work on a community project once a month.

The long-term goal is to have other centers, but most importantly to give the opportunity of a better present and future to the kids, to start a tradition of volunteerism in Armenia, and to create a program that is sustainable.

The road has been bumpy. However, I am increasingly convinced that Armenia is the perfect place to start such a program. It is young, in need of a partnership, and has a lot to learn just like the kids I work with.

BR/DH STAFF CORNER:

Yerevan Magazine is donating 50% of its new subscription revenue to Birthright Armenia! That’s 20 US dollars per subscription. Thanks Yerevan Magazine! Alumni, join in and help spread the word by forwarding this customized link to others.

Teaching English to the Youth in Hrazdan – Next Step Project Shoghakat Chilingarian (YSMU ’08) and Nare Avagyan

Ten years of friendship, a great sense of love for our motherland, a never-ending thirst for new adventures and one sunny summer day in a café is what became the spark of what was just an idea a year ago to an unexpected life changing experience. One of our common conversations grew more serious once the idea sparked about giving back to our homeland. Many great experiences throughout our college years and understanding the importance of positive influences inspired and motivated us to give back to the youth in Armenia. Thanks to the financial support of the Birthright Armenia Alumni “Next Step” Fund, we were able to turn our ideas into action. It was our pleasure to create our very own community project in Hrazdan, Armenia, this summer, which aimed to provide opportunities for local youth to develop their knowledge of the English language.

Although we have both been involved in many community projects in a team setting, this was our very first major experience creating and planning a project of our own. We had some challenges to overcome, for example, the different environment, mentality and interaction with people we did not know. “How will we organize a location for the classes and find interested students to participate, while we are still in the US? Which students will benefit the most? How will the students feel about such a program? Will they welcome it?” Looking back, we understand that our biggest encouragement in all this was the fact that we were working together and always supporting one another. After all, “to try is to risk failure, but risks must be taken because a person who risks nothing does nothing.”

Throughout our experience, we built many strong friendships with the local citizens in Hrazdan. We are very thankful to the school principles, Mr. Barseghyan (school #10), Mrs. Harutunyan (school #13), Mr. Khachatryan (Vocational College), and Mrs. Movsisyan, who supported our project by providing space in their schools, where we held our orientation meetings. Special thanks to Mrs. Movsisyan who kindly opened her classrooms for students from different schools to come. Last but not least, we want to thank Birthright Armenia for supporting us because without their financial support and encouragement, this project would not have run as smoothly as it did. We were able to put our

project into action and make a difference in the lives of many bright students. It has been a rewarding experience to see the enthusiasm of these students for education and new opportunities. The interaction has had a very positive impact on us as well, because we have realized that we made a difference in the lives of these students. Accomplishing this project has motivated and given us the confidence to continue to take greater risks in the future in order to give back to our homeland because we know now that “an idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”

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The 5th Pan Armenian Games in YerevanAugust 13-21 was a hectic period in Yerevan as Armenian athletes converged from all over the world for the Pan Armenian Games. We hosted athlete teams from Argentina, Australia, Brazil and more at our office to get an overview of Birthright Armenia and to mingle with the participants. We also did a free ad campaign at VivaCell-MTS for the entire month of August, displaying a silent video spot prepared especially for the occasion by alum Oksana Mirzoyan (AVC ’11). Thanks to all the participants, Oksana and Vivacell-MTS! Join our recruitment and outreach efforts in all corners of the world.

BR/DH Invited to Present at Armenian Bar Association’s Mid-Year Meeting An invitation from the Armenian Bar Association (ABA) will have executive director Linda Yepoyan and Mandy Ani Messer (AVC ’09) in downtown Detroit, MI, on September 24th, to talk about Birthright Armenia. As part of the afternoon panel of the ABA’s mid-year meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about Birthright Armenia’s mission and impacts to date. Mandy, a social media guru, has a video/slideshow presentation ready to share that will enlighten the audience about the value in her own personal experience in Armenia.

Fundraising Activity Hits a Fever Pitch in the FallAs alums, you know the importance and challenges of fundraising in order for Birthright Armenia’s continued success, particularly in this lackluster economy. We want you to know that the annual Alumni Give Back Fund is at an all-time high with $2515.60 collected from your contributions as of mid-September, and the year isn’t even over yet. Thank you for your generosity and affording the opportunity to one of your own to have this wonderful Armenia experience! It is much appreciated indeed. We now have volunteer groups called “Birthright Armenia Brigades” in motion in the cities of Chicago and Philadelphia for starters. The creation of a Detroit, MI, group is next on the list by year end. And we hope to continue growing this important grassroots support, city by city, in the coming years. The Brigades are tasked with helping us twofold, by 1) branding the Birthright Armenia name in their local communities and 2) organizing one community wide fundraising event in their city per year. We are looking forward to a busy September and October schedule of fundraising events plus meeting with existing and new supporters, including an Armenian art auction in New York City at the home of our founder Edele Hovnanian.

We welcome alumni participation not only in these events, but also in designing your own ideas in support of Birthright Armenia’s continued growth. Your creative and collaborative ideas are always welcome at linda@birthrightarmenia.org.

Alumni ReturnsThis summer saw a flurry of activity as far as alumni returns to Hayastan, with over 50 alums leading or working on various youth/community based projects, personal/group initiatives, or just plain visiting. Many alumni participated in the Pan Armenian Games. All alumni visitors are encouraged to stop by and visit us at our new digs at 37 Hanrapetutyan Street when in Armenia. We always enjoy seeing you and invite you to participate in any or all of our program services during your visit.

Jerusalem Post Article features Birthright Armenia

In case any of the alumni missed the article, here it is.

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Earning her Master’s degree in Human Development and Psychology from the Harvard School of Education is Lissett Babaian (OLA ’11). She is staying on in Armenia to work at the American University of Armenia as an education consultant.

Sanan Haroun (AVC ’10) completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology at UCLA and may soon be coming back to Hayastan for more volunteerism.

Also from the University of California (in Irvine), Kristene Ghazarian (AVC ’10) received her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. Her sister, alum Talene Ghazarian (AAA ’09) is jumping into her graduate studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, majoring in Public Health.

Next with a bachelor’s degree is Shogher Baronian (AYF ’08), earning her degree in Economics and Finance from Manhattanville College.

Tatevik Khoja-Eynatyan (FAR ACYOA ’11) graduated this summer from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University with a bachelor’s degree in classical percussion performance and a master’s degree in musicology. She currently works at the Peabody as a graduate assistant in the Humanities Department.

Down in the southern hemisphere, Karina Nigoghossian (AVC ’09) from Brazil, graduated from São Paolo State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy/Biochemistry. She is pursuing a Master’s at the same university.

Back in Los Angeles, Anahit Isaghulyan (AVC ’11) completed her undergraduate degree at USC, majoring in English.

Wrapping up his degree in History is Manuk Avedikyan (AVC ’11), graduating from the California State University at Northridge.

Over in London, Babken Der Grigorian (AVC ’10) completed his Master’s in Politics and Communication from the London School of Economics. His thesis was entitled “Caucusing in the Caucasus? An Inquiry into Internet Mediated Social Movement Formation as a Vehicle for Emancipatory Civil Society Development in Post-Soviet Armenia”

Again in the UK, Maria Whiteman (AYLA ’10) earned her LLB from the University of Reading and is continuing with her professional LPC in London in September.

GRADUATIONS - SHARING YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESSES

To start off, Mary Keutelian (CYMA ’07) graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing & English Literature. She is looking forward to continuing her education with a master’s program after a brief time off.

Birthright Armenia, Social Media & YouShare your thoughts on your time in Armenia with the Reviews App on Facebook.We added the Reviews App on the Birthright Armenia Facebook Page, and invite you to leave a review in your native language on the page! It will allow future participants to get a feel of what’s ahead. Hearing what alumni have to say is very valuable when making a decision to come to Armenia. As always, your active involvement in the Birthright Armenia social media outreach is much appreciated!

Birthright Armenia on LinkedInLinkedIn just announced that it is adding a new “Volunteer Experience & Causes” field to profiles, letting users highlight and showcase their unpaid or charitable work experience. We invite you to join the new Birthright Armenia group on LinkedIn. The purpose of this group is to connect alumni and explore networking opportunities with other alumni who share similar interests and careers. It’s a closed group, so follow the link to send a request and join the group.

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Alumna Valeria Cherekian (AVC ’10) from Buenos Aires has an amazing voice. Last month, she performed at an event sponsored by the Buenos Aires and South American Regional Committee of the Armenian Relief Society. Her program came from her first album which was recorded entirely in Yerevan.

MORE NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR ALUMNI

Ryan Weber (AVC ’07) and Lussia Kamberian (AVC ’07) are always looking for more volunteerism adventures in their lives. After getting married following their time in Hayastan, they started looking for their next experience together. They are now in Kenya with the Peace Corps and will be there until 2013.

Filmmaker alum Lily Abagyan (Bars Media ’09) was a key participant in a French produced movie about Rugby in Armenia entitled “Hayastan - Le Pays Imaginaire”. Lily was their guide and translator, and you can hear her voice come through during the translations in the clip on the link.

Rounding out the UK trio, Anna Kazarian (AVC ’09) earned her MSc. in Immunology from the University of Oxford.

Sevana Sammis (OLA ’08) graduated from the George Washington University with a Master’s degree in International Affairs. She currently works at the Washington DC Public Schools as an ESL teacher.

Earning an MBA is Candice Pridjian (AVC ’11) from the University of Michigan. She currently works as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group in Chicago.

Also earning an MBA is Sophia Shahverdian (AVC ’09) receiving her degree from the University of Maryland. She is employed at the Johns Hopkins Medicine International as a Project Analyst.

In the healthcare sector, Arevig Setian (AVC ’08) graduated from Duke University with a Master’s in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner. She currently works as a staff nurse at UNC Healthcare.

Arman Avedisian (AAA ’06) graduated from Suffolk University with a master’s degree in International Relations and Public Administration. He is a member of the National Political Science Honor Society whose membership is based on academic achievement in political science, as well as on overall academic achievement. And lastly, Tsoline Avedisian (AAA ’08) graduated from The American University of Paris with a master’s degree in Global Communications. During her time at AUP Tsoline was co-editor of AUP Student Media’s global communications journal Convergence.

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2006 was a magical year for these four participants! They met in Hayastan that year, and wedding bells rang this July for alumni Arpi Paylan (AAA ’06, on the left photo) and Nick Bazarian (AVC ’06) followed a couple weeks later for Stephanie Johnson (AVC ’06) and Haig Seferian (AVC ’06). Congratulations to our 2006 alumni!

Over in USA, Ani Jilozian (AVC ’07, and NY alumni regional committee chair), exchanged wedding vows in Philadelphia, PA, with Aramazt Kalayjian (designer of our the BR “I Love Armenia” logo). After their honeymoon in Istanbul, Lebanon and Jordan, the couple will reside in New York City. Congratulations!!!

Gabrielle Kaprielian (AVC ’09) met future husband Baptiste Cunin during her volunteerism in Yerevan. They were married this summer, and are now living in Switzerland.

2005 AVC volunteer volunteer Taline Kavazanjian met Varand Vartanian in Shushi in 2007, and the rest is history. The wedding took place on August 21st and after returning from their honeymoon, the newlyweds have settled in Los Angeles.

FROM WEDDING BELLS......

Tying the knot in Maryland earlier this year were Brielle Veselsky (YSMU ’08) and Robert Zahn. The couple has settled in New Jersey.

After all those side by side bus rides on our excursions, our dear Nairi Melkomian and likewise dear Gabriel Meghruni (AVC ’08) tied the knot at St. Kevork church in Mughni on August 6th, making Yerevan their home.

Montreal witnessed the wedding of Olga Markarian (AVC’ 08) to Harout Chitilian. Olga is finishing up dental school, as Hagop serves as the President of the Montreal City Council.

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..... TO BABY “BELLES”

The family of Lori Wagoner Reiner (AVC ’07) and her husband David Reiner, who were blessed with little Ava Mooradian Reiner. The little one weighed 6 lbs, 3 oz (just under 3kg).

Starting off the list of first babies is Liana Sophia Gasparian, born to Christopher Gasparian (AVC ’08) and his wife Jenette. Welcome to Luys Ashkar Liana!!!

In Rosario, Argentina, AVC ’08 alum Dalila Eujanian and her husband Pablo Suarez are now the proud parents of Nyrella Suarez Eujanian.

Finally, in our own beloved city of Shushi, alumna repat Cristina Manian Rakedjian (AVC ’08) gave birth to her first baby, Anahit Rakedjian. Congratulations to her and her husband Armen Rakedjian.

And another little bambino in Argentina; baby Mane is being cradled in the arms of her dad Martin Vaneskeheian (AVC ’08) and mom Natalia Demirdjian. Felicitaciones to Dalila and Martin!

Our alumnus from France Vicken Muradian (AVC ’11) married Dora Xiao, whom he met while working in China. They are looking forward to their next trip to Hayastan.

Taking the first steps towards their wedding, Shuntt Tanielian (AVC ’08) to Meghrig Terzian (AVC ’08) had their engagement ceremony in August at the Sourp Krikor Lousavorich Cathedral in Yerevan. Nice beginning guys!!!

Boston was witness to the celebration, as Sabine Chouldjian (AVC ’05), ties the knot with Edward Keljik.

And in Lebanon Talar Yacoubian (AVC ’07) ties the nuptials with her sweetheart Raffi Satchian.

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Here are the questions for the new quiz:

1. Who was the first Catholicos of the Armenian Church?2. What is the name of the American-Armenian playwright who was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1940?3. Who is Levon Aronian?

Last quiz’s answers are:1. What is the current building which houses

Birthright Armenia’s offices famous for? Declaration of Armenia’s Independence in 1918

2. Which Armenian freedom fighter is depicted in this photo (1904)? – Gevork Chavush

3. The battle of Avarayr was instrumental in Armenia’s defense of its Christian identity. What year did that battle take place, and in which country is the battlefield now located? 451 AD, Iran

(Remember - the winner gets a 25 US dollar Amazon.com gift certificate)

Toencourageahighernumberofrespondentsfromouralumni,andtocreateamoreevenplayingfieldamongstcontinents, we will give all of you 72 hours to respond to our quiz with your answers. We will pick the winner from all correct entries by a lottery.

As always, e-mail all answers to info@birthrightarmenia.am and the winner will earn a $25giftcertificateforwww.amazon.com.

QUIZ

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Anania Shirakatsi also known as Anania of Shirak (610 – 685) was an Armenian mathematician, astronomer and geographer. He was likely born in the village of Anania in the region of Shirak. Anania was the son of John (Hovhannes) of Shirak and possibly a member of the noble Kamsarakan princes of the region.

From a very early age, he found himself attracted to mathematics, and traveled abroad for eleven years in the hopes of getting a better education. Upon the recommendation of several of his friends who were returning from Constantinople, he decided to find a suitable teacher in Trebizond in the Byzantine Empire. There he met and fell under the tutelage of a renowned Greek scholar who spoke Armenian, Tychikos, and spent eight years learning mathematics.

Shirakatsi profited greatly from his mentor’s teachings, as evidenced from the writings in his autobiography. In 667 the Armenian Apostolic Church invited him to Dvin to modify the Armenian calendar from a movable to fixed system. Taking into account the incompatibilities of the seven day week, the lunar month, and the solar year, he worked for two years and devised a system that was based on a cycle of 532 years. Anania’s solution, though, was never adopted by the Church.

Among all his works, Shirakatsi is best known for writing the Ashkharhatsuyts (Geography). The Ashkharhatsuyts is a historical atlas that gives detailed information on the fifteen provinces of Armenia. Shirakatsi gives general

PAGES FROM HISTORY - FAMOUS FIGURE

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Interested In Some Birthright Armenia Paraphernalia?Interested in a sweatshirt or a cap with the Birthright Armenia logo? Simply visit our shop at cafepress.com and see the available products. This is a good way to showcase your pride as alumni.

information on “the earth, its surface, climatic belts and seas” and also includes information on Armenia’s neighbors. The oldest manuscript in the field ofArmenian geography preserved at the Matenadaran in Yerevan isShirakatsi’s Ashkharhatsuyts. Anania also authored Cosmography and the Calendar, a 48 chapter work that discusses astronomy, meteorology, and physical geography.

Shirakatsi is considered the founder of the study of the natural sciences in Armenia. For centuries, his works were used at schools in Armenia as textbooks.

TheAnaniaShirakatsiMedalisanArmenianStateawardgivenforsignificantscientificachievement.In 2005, the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia issued an Anania Shirakatsi commemorative coin.

We are eager to receive new alumni stories, updates and photos for the Winter 2011-2012 Alumni Newsletter, so please send

your submissions to info@birthrightarmenia.am.