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The Fresno Bee, CA
Nov 7 2014
Valley Voices: Fresno State student explores her Armenian birthright
By Marine Vardanyan
Birthright Armenia. Those two words represent a program that is beyond
description.
Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity of experiencing Armenia in
its entirety -- not as a tourist, but as an Armenian, returning to her
roots on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Birthright Armenia helped make my dream into a reality -- to return to
Armenia with a purpose. I wanted to immerse myself into the Armenian
life and build connections with young Armenians who share the same
love, faith and vision for the country.
Birthright Armenia is a program that empowers young diasporans, ages
20-32, to travel to Armenia as interns and volunteers in their desired
fields. Not only does Birthright Armenia connect the participants to
internships, but it also provides opportunities to gain unique insight
into Armenia through forums, socials, community service projects,
language lessons, and excursions.
>From meeting with Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan, to visiting the
21st century Ayb School, to cleaning up a park in Hrazdan and driving
a tractor with a wagon full of Birthrighters through a village in
Karabakh, Birthright Armenia truly made my summer an adventure full of
bright memories and new lessons.
An incredibly special part of my experience was meeting and connecting
with volunteers from all over the world, ranging from Germany, Egypt,
Argentina and more. We danced together, sang together and learned
together.
I encountered both Armenians and non-Armenians with fascinating
stories and backgrounds, each unique, yet sharing the same passion for
making a difference in Armenia. My journey with Birthright Armenia
gifted me with long-lasting friendships that I will forever cherish.
Birthright Armenia also connected me to CivilNet, an organization that
provides online advocacy news and journalism in Armenian and English,
covering local, regional, and international stories.
As an intern, I was given the opportunity to work on a variety of
assignments alongside journalists such as Maria Titizian and Salpi
Ghazarian.
Every morning, I awoke with excitement for what awaited me at my job.
I strolled down Tumanyan Street towards Northern Avenue, happily aware
of the sunlight, of the tall buildings, and active life surrounding
me. The assortment of tasks, the spontaneity of each workday and the
atmosphere of the office made CivilNet an ideal place that I grew to
love dearly.
On my first day, I was sent out to cover a protest at the Afrikyans
Home, a historic site that the municipality recently demolished.
On my second day, I translated an Armenian video report about the
border-village of Chinari, which regularly experiences Azerbaijani
gunfire, and recorded the English voice-over. Afterward, a viewer
donated $3,000 to the family featured in the video.
I translated numerous articles and helped with several news stories.
Some involved going out of town, for example, to a village in Armavir
province for a first-aid class and to the village of Teghut in the
province of Lori.
CivilNet welcomed me with open arms and made my internship an
eye-opening experience.
My assignments, interactions, and adventures allowed me to uncover the
issues in Armenia along with gaining real-life experience in
journalism.
Birthright Armenia has much to offer, however, it is how one takes
advantage of the opportunities that produces the unforgettable and
amazing experiences.
To all my Armenian peers, I encourage you to look into this program.
Allow yourself to be inspired, expose yourself to the new and unknown,
and trust in your ability to make a difference.
Whether it's for a few weeks or a few months -- do yourself a favor by
joining Birthright Armenia. I promise that you will not be
disappointed.
Marine Vardanyan is a Fresno State senior majoring in public health
and minoring in Armenian studies and mass communications and
journalism. She is the president of the Armenian Students
Organization, editor for the Hye Sharzhoom student newspaper and radio
host for the 90.7 KFSR Hye Oozh Show. She was born in Armenia and was
graduated from Duncan Polytechnic High School in Fresno.
http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/11/07/4223962_fresno-state-student-explores.html?sp=/99/274/&rh=1
From: Baghdasarian
Nov 7 2014
Valley Voices: Fresno State student explores her Armenian birthright
By Marine Vardanyan
Birthright Armenia. Those two words represent a program that is beyond
description.
Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity of experiencing Armenia in
its entirety -- not as a tourist, but as an Armenian, returning to her
roots on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Birthright Armenia helped make my dream into a reality -- to return to
Armenia with a purpose. I wanted to immerse myself into the Armenian
life and build connections with young Armenians who share the same
love, faith and vision for the country.
Birthright Armenia is a program that empowers young diasporans, ages
20-32, to travel to Armenia as interns and volunteers in their desired
fields. Not only does Birthright Armenia connect the participants to
internships, but it also provides opportunities to gain unique insight
into Armenia through forums, socials, community service projects,
language lessons, and excursions.
>From meeting with Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan, to visiting the
21st century Ayb School, to cleaning up a park in Hrazdan and driving
a tractor with a wagon full of Birthrighters through a village in
Karabakh, Birthright Armenia truly made my summer an adventure full of
bright memories and new lessons.
An incredibly special part of my experience was meeting and connecting
with volunteers from all over the world, ranging from Germany, Egypt,
Argentina and more. We danced together, sang together and learned
together.
I encountered both Armenians and non-Armenians with fascinating
stories and backgrounds, each unique, yet sharing the same passion for
making a difference in Armenia. My journey with Birthright Armenia
gifted me with long-lasting friendships that I will forever cherish.
Birthright Armenia also connected me to CivilNet, an organization that
provides online advocacy news and journalism in Armenian and English,
covering local, regional, and international stories.
As an intern, I was given the opportunity to work on a variety of
assignments alongside journalists such as Maria Titizian and Salpi
Ghazarian.
Every morning, I awoke with excitement for what awaited me at my job.
I strolled down Tumanyan Street towards Northern Avenue, happily aware
of the sunlight, of the tall buildings, and active life surrounding
me. The assortment of tasks, the spontaneity of each workday and the
atmosphere of the office made CivilNet an ideal place that I grew to
love dearly.
On my first day, I was sent out to cover a protest at the Afrikyans
Home, a historic site that the municipality recently demolished.
On my second day, I translated an Armenian video report about the
border-village of Chinari, which regularly experiences Azerbaijani
gunfire, and recorded the English voice-over. Afterward, a viewer
donated $3,000 to the family featured in the video.
I translated numerous articles and helped with several news stories.
Some involved going out of town, for example, to a village in Armavir
province for a first-aid class and to the village of Teghut in the
province of Lori.
CivilNet welcomed me with open arms and made my internship an
eye-opening experience.
My assignments, interactions, and adventures allowed me to uncover the
issues in Armenia along with gaining real-life experience in
journalism.
Birthright Armenia has much to offer, however, it is how one takes
advantage of the opportunities that produces the unforgettable and
amazing experiences.
To all my Armenian peers, I encourage you to look into this program.
Allow yourself to be inspired, expose yourself to the new and unknown,
and trust in your ability to make a difference.
Whether it's for a few weeks or a few months -- do yourself a favor by
joining Birthright Armenia. I promise that you will not be
disappointed.
Marine Vardanyan is a Fresno State senior majoring in public health
and minoring in Armenian studies and mass communications and
journalism. She is the president of the Armenian Students
Organization, editor for the Hye Sharzhoom student newspaper and radio
host for the 90.7 KFSR Hye Oozh Show. She was born in Armenia and was
graduated from Duncan Polytechnic High School in Fresno.
http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/11/07/4223962_fresno-state-student-explores.html?sp=/99/274/&rh=1
From: Baghdasarian