BIRTHRIGHT ARMENIA
FALL //2016
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BIRTHRIGHT ARMENIA
- Table of Contents SAVE THE DATE: Heritage Tour 2017 will be taking us to JERUSALEM! ______ 3 Welcoming our Newest Ambassador (#8)____________________________________ 4 Catching Alumni Doing Good________________________________________________ 4 Pathway to Armenia___________________________________________________________ 7 In Her Own Words” by Tamar Pounardjian (2011) ___________________________ 8 Professional and Academic Achievements___________________________________ 9 Weddings & Babies __________________________________________________________ 10 How Well Do You Really Know Birthright Armenia’s Sister Organization ?__ _11 Alumni Spotlight: Talar Sarafian 2005_______________________________________ 12 Staff Corner__________________________________________________________________ 13
Fall Edition 2—
I have become a lot more adventurous when I compare to how I was before coming to Armenia. I think if I hadn’t lived in Armenia, I wouldn’t have ever considered living in Iran. - Casey Edgarian
SAVE THE DATE. Heritage Tour 2017! s
It’s been officially announced that the second trip in the Birthright Armenia Heritage Tour series will be to the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem in the second half of July 2017! The trip will be open to all alums. In 2015, we had over 50 alums participants for the Historical Armenia trip, and this year we hope to have just as many of you joining us. The mission of the trip will be a combination of exploration of the cherished sites that belong to the Armenians in Jerusalem as well as taking on a service project to call our own. We are excited to be giving you this heads up on the planning of this pilgrimage trip to Jerusalem. Although it is still a bit early to lock in the trip’s specific dates, for initial planning purposes, we are working on an 8-day action packed itinerary that would run in middle to late July. We recently circulated a survey to all of you to get a feel for the level of interest in participation amongst you. So far 130 of you have expressed interest in the trip! Stay tuned for more information on exact dates and cost of the trip.
Holy Land here we come!
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Welcoming our Newest Ambassador (#8) David Melkonian (2015) BR/DH Ambassador for Australia David is based out of Melbourne, and is already busy rallying the alums in Sydney and Melbourne to come together for an event before year end. To date, we have a total of 8 alums in Australia, spanning 2004 – 2016. We’re sure our Down Under alums will enjoy connecting and reconnecting with one another. Welcome aboard David!
Catching Alumni Doing Good Laurie Alvandian (2014) and Nina Romá Agvanian (2014), installed their very first Little Free Libraries at 80 Aram Street, Yerevan. The Little Free Libraries project was funded by Birthright Armenia through the Next Step Alumni Fund. The project installs small free libraries in public spaces to promote literacy and a love of reading among people of all ages, backgrounds, and economic conditions. They bring people together to share ideas, stories, and moments of creativity, as well as to inspire a sense of excitement about where they live.
The LFL movement is now in its 6th year and the total number of registered LFL’s worldwide is estimated to be 25,000, with over 40 countries involved. Armenia has now joined this movement! The libraries are free and open to everyone and operate on a “take a book, leave a book” system, in which at any time people can either take books from the library or place books in the library for someone else to read. While books of all languages are accepted, donations of Armenian books are especially encouraged. Laurie and Nina will continue working towards opening 14 more libraries located in different parts of Armenia. Make sure to keep an eye out for them during your next visit to Armenia and to “take a book, leave a book”.
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Mary Ajamian (2008), who is a Laboratory Manager and Research Associate at Columbia University Medical Center, recently co-authored a research study titled “Intestinal cell damage and systemic immune activation in individuals reporting sensitivity to wheat in the absence of coeliac disease”. The research study may explain why people who do not have celiac disease or wheat allergy nevertheless experience a variety of gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms after ingesting wheat and related cereals. Mary is also a Fulbright Scholar based in Melbourne, Australia, and is investigating the neurobehavioral and extra-intestinal effects of gluten in non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) as well as mentoring female and indigenous students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Click here to find out more about Mary’s Fulbright research.
Suren Oganessian (2015), from St. Petersburg, Florida, has released his first novel entitled “Odinochka: Armenian Tales from the Gulag”. The novel is about Vartan Manukyan, a 29 year old prisoner in a Soviet Gulag in Siberia, who has just been given a death sentence; three nights in solitary confinement. The novel follows his attempt to make sense of the world around him in the harshness of the orphanage and the turmoil of the war, and find an emotional escape through the stories he tells and the friends he makes. Odinochka is a story for those who did and did not survive, for those who are only remembered as statistics; a single number in the death toll. The book gives a unique perspective on the Armenian Genocide and Stalin’s Great Purge, intertwined with folk tales and insights into what it’s like to be a child during war. Click here to purchase Suren’s novel. If you’d like to contact Suren, you can send an email to soganessian@yahoo.com
Mane Saakyan (2015) has launched her new business called On Your Way. On Your Way lets you buy anything from anywhere, even if it’s not sold online. Mane was inspired to start this business during her time as a Birthright Armenia volunteer. She realized that it would be great to have made in Armenia products accessible to the rest of the world, especially to the diaspora. On Your Way also makes it easier for people in Armenia to have access to products and merchandise that aren’t accessible in Armenia. How it works: You create an account, post your order, choose a traveler, and collect your item. When placing your order, you will also have to provide a reward price for the person delivering you the item. Click here to start placing your orders!
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Environmental waste is an ailment that afflicts many nations around the world, Armenia is no exception, and our in-country alumna Karine Vann (2013) decided to do something about it. In order to have a positive impact in this sector, Karine applied for and received a grant from the Yerevan chapter of the Awesome Foundation. The earmark is being spent to fund her environmental project called “Toprak Petq Chi”, a term which translates into «No Bag Needed». Due to the persistent nature of plastic bags in the environment, Karine says “It’s time to start thinking outside the bag.”the mantra of the «Toprak Petq Chi» team. Another alum, Florence Low (2015) is also part of the team. The main direction of the project is to inform the public about the harm that plastic bags cause and to promote the use of reusable cloth bags. Karine and the team have already created original artwork for the new bags, and are inviting artists to come up with their additional unique designs. Their hope is that this movement will gain wide public acceptance in the future. You can follow their website and Facebook for more updates. Karine Vann volunteered in Yerevan for 2.5 months in 2013. Florence Low volunteered in Yerevan for eight months and in Artsakh for 1.5 months in 2015.
Birthright alum Arthur Dolmajian (2009) has created a new map app to make it easier to find the common names of districts across the country. The app, Colloquial Armenia, is a web app that allows people to enter the names of parts of town in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Stepanakert, allowing people to find the colloquial names of street addresses – no more trying to find the nearest cross-street to where you need to go! Now you can find the old Soviet name of your street, or quickly look up things like how “France Square” usually goes by “Opera.” And, if you already know the names around town, if you’re a true local, you can add names and descriptions to the map so even more people can learn where they’re going. Check it out – Colloquial Armenia can be found at colloquialarmenia.xyz, and is equally accessible from desktop and mobile.
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ram Atamian (Alexander Harvey) volunteered in Armenia for 6 months in 2015. Aram has a background in acting and theatre and worked as a Birthright volunteer with HIGH FEST International Performing Arts Festival and MIHR Theatre. Aram became deeply involved with the local performing arts scene, and was involved in many theatre and dance performances including one at HAYP Pop-Up Gallery’s “The Scale of Life” exhibition. Now back in Yerevan, he plans to continue and further deepen his work in performing arts in Armenia.
PATHWAY to ARMENIA CURRENT BIRTHRIGHT HOUSE RESIDENTS
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affi Berberian volunteered with Birthright Armenia for 10 months in 2015. Raffi was very actively involved in video production and photography. Through his Facebook page he posted daily photo updates making all of our alums miss their volunteer times. Raffi hopes to work in the fields of photography and videography in Armenia.
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reg Vanetsyan volunteered for 5 months in 2015. He studied Game Design and was involved in various aspects of game design through his work. As a Birthright volunteer he worked with Tumo Center for Creative Technologies, Digital Pomegranate and Skyline Studio. He also worked as a videographer for Society Against Violence NGO. Areg returns hoping to work for an organization that will benefit Armenia, because he has realized the power of Armenian youth around the world to impact their country.
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In Her Own Words” by Tamar Pounardjian (2011) This summer I came to Armenia wanting to work with patients in the field of oncology so that I could learn more about how cancer is treated in Armenia and the culture that surrounds it. I really had no idea how much I was going to learn. First, I found that there are currently no support groups for adult cancer patients in Armenia. This really struck hard. Since I have a research background and am an avid believer in research, I decided to do a research study to assess the attitudes towards and interest in cancer support groups and also to assess psychosocial and educational needs of adult cancer patients in Armenia. As an American “outsider”, I knew I needed to learn about the culture and to find out if this was appropriate and needed for Armenia. Therefore, I first did a needs assessment where I met with oncologists, therapists, a cancer survivor and others who had also done support groups in Armenia. Once I got the green light, I developed a research proposal and a 20- question survey. I submitted my research proposal to YSMU’s Ethics Committee and started research once it was approved. Birthright Armenia’s Alumni Coordinator, Shant, connected me with a passionate medical student from Canada who shared the same vision as me. She was an absolute integral part of my project and helped me collect the rest of the surveys once I left the country. I was also very lucky to work with wonderful administrators who were so gracious to let me conduct my research at their hospital. We collected surveys from Muratsan Hospital’s chemotherapy clinic, Artmed Hospital’s chemotherapy and surgical clinic and the Hematology Center. We currently have 49 surveys collected and look forward to analyzing the data!
We hope this data will guide therapists in forming the first adult cancer support group in Armenia, will help physicians and healthcare providers learn and understand their patients more and will help us make brochures on topics the patients have shown an interest to learn about. One of the hardest things I learned through this research is that he majority of cancer patients aren’t aware or informed of their diagnosis. This needs to change and I hope other alumni come together to help conquer this.
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Professional and Academic Achievements Anna Vardanyan (2015), from New York, is doing an internship as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst with Credit Suisse. Anna is currently pursuing her B.A. in Economics and Mathematics with a minor in Business from New York University.
Eduardo Raffi Nigoghosian (2008) started a new job as the Project Manager at Japan Tobacco International in São Paulo. Previously, he worked for EY as a Senior Consultant for over six years.
Sanan Shirinian (2011), has taken on the position of Principal at Ari Giragor Minasian Armenian School in Orange County, California, starting this fall. Prior to this position, Sanan was a teacher for two years at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Los Angeles.
Tatevik Grigorian (2006) started a new job as a Solicitor at Wedlake Bell law firm in London. Tatevik has a Master of Laws (LLM) from University College London. Previously, she worked for Sookias & Sookias law firm for four years.
Shaunt Tchakmak (2016), has accepted an offer to start work with the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF) in Armenia at the end of October, the jobsite with which he volunteered earlier this year. HDIF serves as a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to create jobs for women in the regions of Armenia. Says Shaunt ” I am truly blessed to be in this position and consider myself very lucky. I am so fortunate to return to my homeland to continue this incredible journey!”
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Weddings Babies& Shoghik Chilingarian (2008), from Los Angeles, California, and her husband Harut Gasparyan got married on April 15, 2016 in Los Angeles Brand Park. They met in Armenia! May you grow old on one pillow!
Karine Arakelyan (2007) had a baby boy named Miro Arakelian Druid.
Dina Apovian (2004) took her vows with Michael Graham on August 5th at St. Gregory Armenian Church in North Andover, Massachusetts, followed by a memorable reception done Armenian and Irish style at the Tewksbury Country Club. We wish the happy new couple a lifetime of happiness and good heath! Shnorhavor!.
Lara Bastajian Kechichian (2009) and Serge Kechichian are happy to announce the birth of their little bundle of joy, Ani Kohar Kechichian, born on July 1.
Peno Mishoyan (2014) and his wife Marianna (yes, our very own Mari!) welcomed baby Nanor into their lives on July 27th. Congratulations to the new addition to your family in Armenia!
Ani Saraphanian (2006) had a baby girl named Arya.
Ani Saraphanian (2006) had a baby girl named Arya.
We wish the new families good health and happiness. 10 —
HOW WELL DO YOU REALLY KNOW BIRTHRIGHT ARMENIA’S SISTER ORGANIZATION
ARMENIAN VOLUNTEER CORPS? AVC is very international. So far we’ve placed over 650 volunteers from 45 countries. Just this year we’ve welcomed our first-ever volunteers from Hong Kong, the Philippines and Cyprus!
AVC is for everyone. Well, not quite, but it is for anyone age 21 and older who is not BR-eligible – that is non-Armenians age 21 and up and diaspora Armenians over 32. So, your BFF or your uncle or your work colleague -- basically anyone who does not fit BR’s eligibility criteria -- can still come have a wonderful and rewarding volunteer experience similar to the one you had, by joining AVC. AVC is diverse. In 2016, the average age of volunteers is 39. Our oldest volunteer so far this year was 74! 49% are female, 51% male, and 46% are of Armenian descent. This year’s volunteers are from Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, France, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Netherlands, Russia, Peru, Philippines, USA and UK, and we are expecting volunteers from Brazil and Egypt later this year.
AVC is for couples. In the past year, we’ve welcomed Kerry and David, Maya and Petr, Linda and Herb, Laura and Mariano, and Lisa and Barkev; and we’re awaiting Emily and Alex in November. AVC is also for spouses or partners and parents of BR volunteers.
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…New couples too. Little did we know when AVC’s Oscar Alvarado met BR’s Astghik Davtyan, where things would lead. We’re happy to congratulate these alumni on their recent September marriage and wish them a world of joy and happiness.
AVC is for repeat volunteers. Think Diego Benning and Ani Gooshian, who have both volunteered here three years running. AVC is also for repats. We’ve got 10 AVC alumni living and working in Armenia full-time and 2 who spend half the year here.
Alumni Spotlight: Talar Sarafian 2005 Where were you born? And where do you currently live? I grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, USA where I spent my childhood crabbing and sailing. I didn’t know any Armenians outside of my family before the age of 16, but we always spoke Armenian at home. I now live in an Armenian suburb of Paris, France called Alfortville, which is quite a change!
When you were a volunteer, how old were you, where did you volunteer and for how long? I volunteered in the summer of 2005, when I was 22 years old. I worked for the Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA) contributing to the content management of their website and provided assistance to tourists. My colleagues became my life-long friends and I have great memories there. What did you do after you finished your volunteer service? I went on to graduate from business school at University of Maryland and began working for Accenture as a consultant in Washington, DC. I started out on US government contracts, but then transitioned to European clients. In 2008, I officially transferred to Accenture’s office in Paris. What are you currently doing? I’m now at AXA, a global insurance company. I work in the CEO Office, where I conduct strategic studies and analyses for executive-level decision-making. I’m also busy raising two red-head little boys, Zareh (age 6) and Shahen (age 2).
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How has your Birthright Armenia experience played a role in your life, and when choosing your life’s path? Birthright Armenia literally changed my life because it is how I met my husband, Raffi, who was a volunteer from France! Our stays actually only crossed for 3 days but it was “love at first sight”... Have you been to Armenia since your volunteer experience? What year and for what purpose(s)? Of course- Armenia is my lifeline. As a displaced diasporan, I’m not sure how to define “home”. What I can say for sure is that being in Armenia makes me feel alive and it is where I am in my most natural state. Though my family’s roots are in Iraq and Syria, I have seen my family slowing adopting Armenia as their own. Three of my great uncles moved to Armenia and in 2007, my extended family went to Armenia to celebrate my grandfather’s 80th birthday there. In 2008, Raffi and I went to Armenia for our honeymoon. We returned again in 2009, 2011, 2012 and this summer, 2016. As Armenia becomes more and more a part of our lives and the lives of our children, we can be sure that it will also be a part of our future.
What is the biggest change you’ve had in your life since you were a volunteer? Apart from moving to France, getting married and having two boys… I’d say everything! Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years? Only God knows, but I’d like to be living in a little house “on the prairie”, spending my days as part dan’dgin and part entrepreneur. Additional thoughts you might want to share with the readers: There is no one thing that defines us as Armenians, but I am so grateful to my parents and grandparents for teaching me the Armenian language, which absolutely and positively shaped my identity. Our dream is that our children have a greater fluency in Armenian than we do and that our language remains the core of our home and heritage.
Staff Corner
We are very pleased to announce the hire of Salpi Apkarian (2015) as our new Alumni Program Coordinator. Salpi’s first day on the job was October 3rd and she’ll be based in our Yerevan office, where she is excited to run into any and all alumni passing through! Salpi, a Chicago native, came to Armenia for a stint of adventure with Birthright in 2015 and never expected to make Yerevan her first home away from home. She’s excited to meet as many of you as possible, so send her a message to say hi and welcome her to the BR team via salpi@birthrightarmenia.am.
STAY WITH US!
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