§ 2024: The Legal Culture Clause by Linda Babakhanyan
For “Home by Emilia G. Kyriazis
Echoes of Angkor: A Solo Adventure in Cambodia by Edwin Giron-Montenegro
Panes Con Pavo: A Salvadorian Thanksgiving Tradition by Cristian E. PerezQuintanilla
Armenian Recipes by: Laura Devoian & Linda Babakhanyan
H.E.R by Tiera M. Boyd
Dear Dad by Adirana Dutra
How Culture Shapes My Approach to Law and Building Relationships by Professor Faisal Kutty, Vice Dean Anahid Gharakhanian, & Professor Sarah Schimmel
Culture by Levon Devoian
Rejecting Cultural Advice Was My Best Choice by Victoria Couch
My Eternity by Erika Malyan
Cultural Idioms by Erika Malyan, Laura Devoian, & Linda Babakhanyan
Things You Didn’t Know Were Illegal by Erika Malyan, Laura Devoian, & Linda Babakhanyan
How Much Do You Know? Crossword by Linda Babakhanyan
How Do You Say Law? Word Search by Linda Babakhanyan
Bison Favorites
BEWARE...
DEAR SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY,
AS THE FALL 2024 SEMESTER COMES TO A CLOSE AND WE PREPARE FOR FINALS, I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO OUR INCREDIBLE FACULTY, ADMINISTRATION, AND PROFESSORS. YOU HAVE BEEN AN UNWAVERING SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR US STUDENTS, GUIDING US THROUGH THE CHALLENGES OF LAW SCHOOL. AND WHAT A JOURNEY IT HAS BEEN! FROM THE HIGHS TO THE LOWS, I THINK WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT WE WOULDN’T HAVE MADE IT PAST EACH SEMESTER WITHOUT YOUR CARE AND DEDICATION.
THIS SEMESTER HAS BEEN UNIQUE WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST INCOMING CLASSES OF 1LS, THE ENERGY ON CAMPUS HAS DEFINITELY BEEN REFRESHING AND EXCITING. IT’S INSPIRING TO SEE SO MANY BRIGHT NEW FACES JOIN OUR SOUTHWESTERN FAMILY.
IT HAS ALSO BEEN AN ABSOLUTE HONOR TO SERVE AS CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE LAW COMMENTATOR FOR ISSUE 10. THIS EDITION HAS BEEN A LABOR OF LOVE, AND I SINCERELY HOPE IT BRINGS AS MUCH JOY AND REFLECTION TO YOU TO READ, AS IT HAS TO OUR ENTIRE TEAM TO PUBLISH THIS ISSUE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE HARD WORK OF THE AMAZING LAW COMMENTATOR TEAM AND THE BRILLIANT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM OUR WRITERS AND SUPPORTERS.
FOR THIS ISSUE, WE DECIDED TO FOCUS ON CULTURE A THEME THAT TRULY REFLECTS THE HEART OF SOUTHWESTERN. WITH SUCH A DIVERSE STUDENT BODY, EACH OF US BRINGS A UNIQUE CULTURAL BACKGROUND TO THE TABLE, AND WE WANTED TO CELEBRATE THAT BY SHARING THOSE STORIES WITH YOU.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ AND ENGAGE WITH THIS ISSUE WE HOPE IT BRINGS A SENSE OF CONNECTION AND PRIDE IN THE COMMUNITY WE CONTINUE TO BUILD TOGETHER.
WITH GRATITUDE, LINDA ARPI BABAKHANYAN CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
TO OUR FELLOW BISON,
LAW SCHOOL HAS MANAGED TO PASS US BY IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE AND ALSO LAST A LIFETIME. CONFUSING? SO IS LAW SCHOOL!
AS WE REFLECT ON OUR LAW SCHOOL JOURNEY, IT IS SURREAL TO HAVE REACHED OUR FINAL YEAR. WE WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR HEARTFELT APPRECIATION TO SOUTHWESTERN’S FACULTY AND STAFF FOR BEING OUR UNREMITTING SUPPORT SYSTEM IT HAS BEEN A TRUE HONOR TO BE A PART OF A COMMUNITY THAT IS SO DEDICATED TO OUR STUDENT BODY. WITH THAT BEING SAID, A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO SOUTHWESTERN’S PROFESSORS AND YOUR ENDLESS EFFORT IN ENSURING WE STAY ON THE PATH TO OUR ULTIMATE GOALS. LAW SCHOOL TRULY TAKES A VILLAGE.
THROUGHOUT THESE YEARS WE HAVE HAD THE IRREPLACEABLE OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH UNIQUE BONDS WITH PEERS WHO ARE SO EAGER TO LEND A HELPING HAND. IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE WORKING WITH THE CREATIVE MINDS OF OUR STUDENT BODY TO MAKE ISSUE 10 POSSIBLE AND CONTINUE A SOUTHWESTERN TRADITION.
FINALLY, WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE IN OUR SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY THE BEST OF LUCK AND SUCCESS IN ALL THEIR ENDEAVORS.
WARMEST REGARDS,
LAURA DEVOIAN & ERIKA MALYAN SUPERVISING EDITORS
MY ETERNITY
A symbol of my eternity, my forever love
I have known you for a lifetime; yet it is still not enough
Music that both strikes your soul and gives energy you can vitalize
And our instruments, well, they will surely make you feel alive
Welcome to my eternity
One bite of that warm freshly baked bread, and it will leave you wanting more
With the kind of beautiful nature, your eyes will certainly yearn for Filled with alluring eyes, that turn chaos into harmony
Yet we are born to advocate in the face of our pain
Welcome to my eternity
A place where there is everlasting faith, one cannot ignore
Our house is represented by our father; we stand as tall as our mother
Our doors are wide open; a representation of our continuous hospitality
We dance to embody our strength, even having bled through great lengths
Welcome to my eternity
A history as infinite and captivating as our night sky
With a fire in all of us, which we praise in the midst of any tide
Hard work and dedication to accompany our nobility
My forever love, my home
This is my eternity
§ 2024: THE LEGAL CULTURE CLAUSE
We speak in citations, Section numbers, and precedent Like a secret code only we understand And if you don’t, well, You’ll catch on.
The elevators buzz with legal debates Marbury here, RAP there, and wait, WHAT EVEN IS A CHICKEN?!
We’re all just trying to sound like we get it, (But honestly, half the time we don’t)
Outlines are gold, Passed down like family heirlooms
“Here’s my Contracts outline from 1L, It got me an A, so good luck ” It’s less of a roadmap, More like a maze with no escape
The library?
That’s sacred ground
We camp out in our study rooms, MAKE SURE YOU VERIFY! Surrounded by snacks and coffee, As though we’re preparing for battle.
Every class is a mental chess match Cold calls? The opening move. Participation? The middle game Finals?
That’s checkmate
But somehow, even when we lose, We keep playing.
Social life? It’s a negotiation.
“Can’t make it tonight, got too much reading.”
Translation: I’m staring at my laptop, scrolling through Twitter, While pretending to understand a 100-page opinion That might as well be written in another language
And yet, we stay. We argue, we write, We drown ourselves in coffee and cases. Because deep down, we believe in something Justice, the law, making a difference Or maybe just the dream Of not getting cold-called tomorrow
By: Linda Babakhanyan
For “Home”
Home: the space we grew up in, recall from time to time, and even find ourselves coming back to. This portfolio invites you to my unexpected, but internally requested, return home to Greece. Home can feel warm and inviting. It can also come with a sense of change that is unfamiliar. I hope these photographs bridge new angles of my home, parallel with my own development. I welcome you into my Greek home with filoxenia (the ancient tradition of hospitality) and a lens that unveils something new.
By: Emilia G. Kyriazis, 1L
ECHOES OF ANGKOR: A SOLO ADVENTURE IN CAMBODIA
In 2019, at the age of 21, I embarked on a solo journey to Siem Reap, Cambodia, equipped with just a backpack, my passport, and a pair of 35mm film cameras. These photos capture my experience visiting the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, according to Guinness World Records, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A masterpiece of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat stands as a symbol of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage and is even featured on the nation's flag. One of the highlights of my trip was befriending a group of Buddhist monks who were also visiting the temple.
By: Edwin Giron-Montenego
PANES CON PAVO:
A SALVADORIAN THANKSGIVING TRADITION
WHEN PEOPLE THINK OF SALVADORAN FOOD, THEY OFTEN THINK OF PUPUSAS, THE ICONIC DISH OF EL SALVADOR
HOWEVER, THERE'S ANOTHER DISH THAT HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART, ESPECIALLY DURING THANKSGIVING: PANES RELLENOS, OR AS WE SOMETIMES CALL THEM, PANES CON POLLO—OR PANES CON PAVO (TURKEY) FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
IN MY FAMILY, THANKSGIVING ISN’T COMPLETE WITHOUT THESE SANDWICHES WHILE MANY ARE CARVING TURKEYS AND PASSING MASHED POTATOES, MY MOM AND I ARE IN THE KITCHEN PREPARING OUR VERSION OF A HOLIDAY FEAST. THESE SANDWICHES, OFTEN FILLED WITH CHICKEN OR TURKEY AND PACKED WITH FLAVORFUL, TANGY TOPPINGS, ARE A DELICIOUS PART OF OUR TRADITION.
EVERY YEAR, MY MEXICAN FRIENDS IN THE APARTMENTS—WHO HAVE EAGERLY ADOPTED THIS SALVADORAN TREAT REMIND ME TO SAVE THEM ONE. EVEN MY FIANCÉE’S FAMILY FROM JUAREZ, MEXICO, HAS STARTED REQUESTING THEM FOR SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS. CARRYING ON THIS TRADITION BY LEARNING HOW MY MOM MAKES THESE SANDWICHES HAS BEEN IMPORTANT TO ME. EVERYONE MAKES PANES A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY, AND PERFECTING HER RECIPE HAS BEEN A WAY TO KEEP THAT CONNECTION ALIVE.
ONE WARNING: THIS ISN’T THE KIND OF DISH YOU WANT TO TRY ON A FIRST DATE IT’S DELICIOUSLY MESSY! BUT TRUST ME, IT’S WORTH EVERY BITE.
SO NEXT TIME YOU THINK OF SALVADORAN FOOD, DON’T FORGET ABOUT PANES CON PAVO BECAUSE SALVADORAN THANKSGIVING IS JUST AS MUCH ABOUT THE FLAVOR AS IT IS ABOUT THE TRADITION.
RECIPE FOR STEWED CHICKEN OR TURKEY SANDWICHES
MARINATE CHICKEN OR TURKEY
THE NIGHT BEFORE USING:
• GROUND BLACK PEPPER
• GARLIC SALT
• MUSTARD
• ONE 8 OR 12 OZ DARK BEER
• WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: POUR THE BEER ON THE CHICKEN OR TURKEY, MAKE SURE TO GET SOME INSIDE TOO.
STEP 2: APPLY THE REST OF THE SEASONINGS TO TASTE.
STEP 3: LET IT SIT OVERNIGHT, WITH THE CHICKEN OR TURKEY BREASTSIDE DOWN.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE SAUCE (USE AMOUNTS TO YOUR TASTE):
• PUMPKIN SEEDS
• DRIED CALIFORNIA CHILE
• DRIED PASILLA CHILE
• SESAME SEEDS
• BAY LEAVES
• CLOVES
• HALF OR A WHOLE HEAD OF GARLIC
COOKING THE CHICKEN OR TURKEY:
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 375°F
STEP 2: COOK BREAST-SIDE DOWN FOR ABOUT TWO AND A HALF HOURS.
STEP 3: WHILE IT’S COOKING, ADD CHICKEN BROTH TO TASTE.
STEP 4: COVER THE CONTAINER WITH ALUMINUM FOIL TO MAKE SURE NO AIR GETS IN.
PREPARE THE CABBAGE:
STEP 1: SHRED THE CABBAGE, CARROT, AND ONION.
STEP 2: BOIL WATER WITH A PINCH OF SALT. ONCE IT’S BOILING, TURN OFF THE HEAT AND ADD THE CABBAGE, CARROT, AND SHREDDED ONION COVER IT AND LET IT SIT FOR 7 MINUTES.
STEP 3: DRAIN THE VEGGIES AND ONCE DRAINED, MIX THEM WITH MAYONNAISE AND MUSTARD TO TASTE.
Traditional Armenian flatbread bread that translates in English to “finger pull”
Directions
Step 1: Mix in the sugar, yeast, salt, and 1/2 cup of room temperature water. Let it sit in a closed container for about 10 minutes to rest until it bubbles
Step 2: To your 500g flour you want to add 250mg room temperature water, 3 tbsp oil, and the risen yeast to mix
Step 3: Knead your dough until it no longer sticks to your hands. Round your dough, cover with plastic wrap, and a towel, place in a warm location for 2 hours to rise
Step 4: After 2 hours, separate your dough to two circles With a rolling pin roll your dough flat and shape the dough with your fingers (Where the name “matnakash” comes from)
Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F
Step 6: Place your dough on a baking sheet
Step 7: In a cup pour 1/2 tsp oil and 2 tbsp water and mix. Brush this mixture onto the dough.
Step 8: place your your dough in the oven for about 30 minutes
Step 9: Eat with some yummy feta cheese and enjoy!!
ARMENIAN GATA/NAZOOK
INGREDIENTS
Dough
1 1/8 tsp yeast (1/2 packet)
1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
1/4 tspn salt
1/2 cup unslated butter (chilled)
1 medium egg
1/2 tbsP vegetable oil
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing the dough)
INSTRUCTIONS
Filling
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cardamom
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
PREPARE THE DOUGH
Step 1: Add yeast to the sour cream and mix set aside for 10 Minutes
Step 2: Combine flour, salt, and butter cut the butter into the flour with a pastry blender until crumbly Add egg, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and sour cream Mix well Knead the dough until it’s no longer sticky add more flour if necessary Form into a ball, mark with a cross and cover wth plastic wrap Refrigerate for 3 hours Make the filling
Step 3: Add melted butter, flour, sugar, vanilla, caramom and ground walnuts to a medium-sized bowl. Mix thoroughly until the filling ingredients are combined and crumbly PREHEAT OVEN TO 350F.
ASSEMBLY
Step 4: Melt 1 1/2 tbsp of butter and set aside Remove dough from the refrigerator; divide into 4 equal portions Roll out one portion at a time into a 10"x6" rectangle Brush with melted butter
Step 5: Spread 1/4 of the filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1/2" border Cover the filling with a piece of parchment paper and lightly roll over it with a rolling pin so that the filling adheres to the dough
Step 6: Fold the edges in 1/2 “ over the filling and roll into a cylinder Gently flatten the cylinder with your palms Using a crinkle cutter, cut each roll into 9 pieces and arrange the Nazook on a parchment-covered cookie sheet Prick a few times with a fork
Step 7: Brush Nazook liberally with the glaze and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown Continue until all the Nazook are baked
Step 8: Enjoy with a cup of tea or Armenian coffee!
Hey Jan Ghapama (Armenian Baked & Stuffed Pumpkin)
This Armenian Fall favorite has a fun song with instructions on how to bake and eat!
Ingredients:
1 small pumpkin
1½ cups rice
4 tbsp butter (melted)
¼ cup each of dried plums, apricots and cherries (chopped)
¼ cup raisins
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
Honey
½ cup nuts (chopped)
¼ cup hot water
Salt
Directions:
Step 1: Wash and dry exterior of pumpkin. Cut the top in a circle or star shape to be used as a lid.
Step 2: Remove and discard the inner fibers and seeds.
Step 3: Rinse the inside of the pumpkin; pat dry.
Step 3: In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
Add salt and your desired rice, stir, cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Cook rice for about 15 minutes. .
Step 4: White rice boils, chop up your dried plums, apricots, cherries, and nuts and place to the side.
Step 5: After 15 minutes turn off stove. *Rice should not be completely cooked.* Drain rice and remove any excess liquid.
Step 6: In a large heat safe bowl, mix together the partially cooked rice, chopped fruit/nuts, melted butter, salt (to taste), cinnamon, 1½ tbsp honey (or sugar).
Step 7: *Not necessary but will make it sweeter* With a brush, brush honey against the inner walls of the pumpkin.
Step 8: Stuff the contents of your bowl into the pumpkin and pour the ¼ cup hot water over the top of your rice and fruit/nut mixture.
Step 9: Place your stuffed pumpkin on a baking sheet. Place your pumpkin lid back on and coat the outside of your pumpkin with butter.
Step 10: Bake at 325°F for about 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until soft. Insert a toothpick into the pumpkin to determine tenderness.
Step 11: Cut pumpkin along its lines, invite everyone you know (per Harout s) and Enjoy!!
Dear Dad,
I missed you when I walked on the Pismo Pier and danced in the street to Billy Joel in front of Splash. Your shine reflected on the sea, just like your smile. It was high tide, and the blur stayed in my eyes for a while.
I felt that I could reach out, grab it, and make it my radiance too, because I think that’s what you wanted
Last year, I lost a lot of money line dancing on linoleum floors and buying textbooks from odd entities, with latent, faded pages that wilted as you did.
I stretched them toward the sun in hopes of reviving them.
I felt as if they could lift from my palms and suspend in the air
But I only felt more distant from their vitality, an augmenting enervation. I couldn’t let go. I won’t.
Then I knew why your hand couldn’t squeeze mine back because pain is deathly, and we have to be strong enough to be gentle with the certainty of a concluding paragraph
The moon was brighter that night with you on the other side. I smiled and cried from the light and the dark at the same time. This newfound multiplicity of consciousness makes me question who I am without you, who knew me before sunset.
Now, I am stuck in the apprehension of being alive in a world without you in it
In Sally Loo’s, I listened for the reverberating, audible you in voicemails, in strangers.
I tried to pry you from my phone, from the crowd. But we already buried you, like roots, so that you could become a flower in sublime suburban gardens I’m still burying you.
Maybe heaven is a ghetto and life a levitation leading to a floating mall. There, the hot man with the beard will give us a free gift with purchase to make up for what we missed together in this life.
But Dad, I learn to dance in the ebb and flow and pandemonium of existence, like I said I would.
I will teach you then. By:
How Culture Shapes My Approach to Law and Building Relationships
Faisal Kutty Professor of Legal Analysis, Writing, and Skills
Vice Dean | Professor of Legal Analysis, Writing, and Skills | Co-Director of the Externship Program
I believe it’s crucial for any attorney to recognize that culture shapes who we are as professionals and informs our perspectives, biases, and much more. The same is true for anyone we interact with, including clients. When I was in practice, I reflected on what I considered to be positive cultural influences that shaped how I interacted with clients. However, I also learned the importance of not assuming that what I perceive as a positive cultural attribute would be viewed the same way by a client. In practicing law, understanding the client is paramount. I began focusing more on where the client is coming from and practicing empathy—really seeking to understand my client’s situation from their perspective, including the cultural influences that shape their views and experiences. This empathetic approach is key to good lawyering.
Sarah Schimmel Associate Professor of Law for Academic Success and Bar Preparation | Co-Director, Negotiation Honors Program | Associate Director of Bison Bar Pass Program
Culture impacts everything we do. Our own cultural backgrounds and exposure to other cultures can be assets in our legal practice, enriching our interactions with clients.
First, being part of a rich and diverse metropolitan area like Los Angeles offers a unique advantage. Simply living in this city provides endless opportunities to observe, learn about, and immerse ourselves in various cultures that make up the communities we represent. Southwestern students, in particular, have access to numerous multicultural experiences, even daily, while in the classroom among their peers. Law students continually gain perspectives from classmates, mentors, staff, and faculty.
In my personal experience, my multicultural background and education have helped me better serve and relate to my clients. The ability to speak other languages has provided many opportunities to connect with clients. For example, I have been able to participate in specific meetings or mediate for clients who could not communicate with my colleagues or supervisors. Additionally, coming from a family of immigrants has helped me recognize the discomfort, apprehension, and vulnerability of clients from foreign countries.
As attorneys, we meet our clients where they are. Our role is complex—it involves investigating, advocating, consoling, and protecting. We take on our clients’ experiences and emotions, much of which can be shaped by culture. Culture may be perceived as a barrier, but if we remain open to those around us, we can use it as a bridge for understanding, improving our effectiveness, and finding professional fulfillment.
We are exposed to culture our entire lives The beauty of Los Angeles is that it is a melting pot for culture Where else in the world will you find sushi burritos or birria shawarmas?
Culture is the external connection of people Although you live through your perspective, culture helps make sense of the world It gives you a perspective of how others live their lives Culture is formed any time there is a congregation of people over time For example, before becoming the United States of America, the 13 states were mere colonies of the British Empire During the early days, the culture was predominantly British But, as more generations were born in the New World and with newfound independence, a nascent American culture replaced it [1]
Although cultures are unique, some traditions are present in all Weddings are the best example of a cultural ceremony that all cultures have a rendition of Traditionally, weddings were a means for the richer population to gain alliances and political favor, while the poor people rid themselves of an extra mouth to feed Modernly, a wedding is a celebration of love It also celebrates a social contract, cementing a union for life
Discovering other cultures allows you a glimpse into another world As an uncultured swine, I go out of my way to experience aspects of foreign cultures There are interesting tidbits in every one of them. For example, in Japanese culture, when you sneeze, it is believed that someone is talking about you. Similarly, in Armenian culture, when your ears burn, it means that someone is gossiping about you. The cultural capital you gain allows you to make sense of your neighbors in life. As lawyers, we must often simultaneously solve a problem, while anticipating how our opponents will approach the same problem.
As members of Southwestern, we are privileged to be exposed to various cultures. This allows us to build a stronger cultural context to carry over to practice. The diverse student associations on campus are welcoming to all. Our school nurtures and embraces the cultural variety, allowing us to learn more about others while feeling proud of our own culture. As the old Armenian saying goes, “The more languages you know, the more person you are” (I know, it makes no sense). Culture does not have to be connected to ethnicity or religion, although often it is. There is one culture we all share – The Legal Culture. Part of being a lawyer is accepting this culture and becoming a part of it in return. The tradition of prosecuting a case comes from the King’s courts of England. The way we practice law is as old as the Magna Carta. However, we often forget it. Although it is endearing to belong to a profession as timeless as its not-so-approved cousin, the main takeaway is that we are all interconnected. Regardless of our cultural backgrounds, this bond makes us kin. In addition, as Southwestern students, we are all part of the Bison Herd. So as finals are fast approaching, I remind you to be kind to your cultural brethren and help each other. Culture changes over time, so be aware and change it for the better.
*The author thanks the gracious editors of the Southwestern Law Commentator for this opportunity to submit yet another piece.
[1] Randall Fuller, From Battlefields Rising: How the Civil War Transformed American Literature (2014).
BY: LEVON
REJECTING CULTURAL ADVICE WAS MY BEST CHOICE
When I first started working in reality television as a production assistant, the culture of the industry became immediately apparent. The first piece of advice I received was to “fake it until you make it.” Paired with the warning that “it’s every person for themselves,” this advice painted a picture of a highly competitive and cutthroat environment. I was told to do whatever it took to book my next job, implying that success in the industry required selfpreservation at the expense of others
However, something about these pieces of advice didn’t sit right with me. Rather than embracing the idea of pretending to know everything or seeing my colleagues as rivals, I chose to take a different approach. Instead of “faking it,” I committed to learning. I was honest about what I didn’t know and sought advice and guidance from more experienced crew members and professionals. This approach and willingness to learn earned me respect and fostered genuine mentorship opportunities One opportunity provided to me was to work in post-production for a high-profile reality show, which eventually led me to pursue my legal education Instead of presenting myself as someone who had it all figured out, I showed that I was there to grow.
The idea of “every person for themselves” also conflicted with my personal values. I believe in collaboration and building strong relationships, so I made it a point to support my peers and work as part of a team. I helped others when they were in need, knowing that a strong production team is only as good as its collective effort By fostering cooperation rather than competition, I found that I didn’t have to step on others to succeed In fact, this approach helped me stand out in a positive way I was trusted, and people wanted to work with me again. Many of the department heads that I worked with 10 years ago are still very good friends.
In a fast-paced, unpredictable industry like television, authenticity and collaboration may seem countercultural, but they became the foundation of my career. By rejecting the advice to “fake it” and choosing teamwork over self-interest, I not only booked my next jobs but also built lasting relationships and a reputation for integrity
This idea is also applicable in the legal field, especially while in law school. It’s common to want to outperform or be the first to secure a summer internship before other students; it’s incredibly competitive. But it is key to remember that while your peers may be your competition now, they will be the source of your next referral or job opportunity in the future.
In the end, being real and supportive proves to be far more effective than pretending or competing
BY: VICTORIA COUCH,
MY ETERNITY
Mount Ararat connects to the bible, the Armenian people, and Noah’s Ark.
Mother Armenia embodies the will, courage, and inner strength of an Armenian woman standing guard over her native land.
Saint Gayane was built Between 630 and 641 A.D. on the remains of a chapel that was founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator
The Holy Cross is a 33 meter high monument that is compromised of over 1,700 pipe-like shaped crosses.
Zvartnots Cathedral, built in the 7th century by Catholicos Nerses III, is located at the site where King Tridat met St. Gregory the Illuminator during Armenia’s conversion to Christianity in 301 A.D., making it the 1st Christian Nation
Every culture has its own special sayings/idioms, and no matter if you’re a language nerd, a culture buff, or just plain curious, there’s a funny idiom here just for you!
PHRASE: "LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG " MEANING: TO REVEAL A SECRET OR SURPRISE, OFTEN UNINTENTIONALLY.
PHRASE: “TSAVD TANEM” (ՑԱՎԴ ՏԱՆԵՄ)
LITERAL TRANSLATION: “LET ME TAKE YOUR PAIN AWAY” MEANING: TO EXPRESSES A VERY STRONG LOVE, AND SOMETIMES IT EXPRESSES EMPATHY
PHRASE: ENCONTRAR A TU MEDIA NARANJA
LITERAL TRANSLATION: TO FIND YOUR HALF ORANGE
ACTUAL MEANING: THE PERSON YOU’LL SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE WITH, IN A ROMANTIC SENSE, IS LIKE THE OTHER HALF OF AN ORANGE
PHRASE: NON È TUTTO ORO QUEL CHE LUCCICA "
LITERAL TRANSLATION: "NOT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD " MEANING: THINGS AREN’T ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM
PHRASE: "CHERCHER LA PETITE BÊTE "
LITERAL TRANSLATION: "TO LOOK FOR THE LITTLE BEAST " MEANING: TO NITPICK OR FIND FAULT WITH TRIVIAL THINGS.
СЛОВО В СЛОВО
PHRASE: SLOVAH V SLOVAH
LITERAL TRANSLATION: WORD FOR WORD MEANING: EXACTLY AS WRITTEN
PHRASE: "猿も⽊から落ちる" (SARU MO KI KARA OCHIRU)
LITERAL TRANSLATION: "EVEN MONKEYS FALL FROM TREES " MEANING: EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES, REGARDLESS OF THEIR SKILL LEVEL
Things You Didn’t Know Were Illegal In The US
CALIFORNIA
-In LA, it is illegal to cry on the witness stand.
-In LA it is against the law to complain through the mail that a hotel has cockroaches, even if it is true.
-In Arcadia, peacocks have the right of way to cross any street, including driveways.
LOUISIANA
-Mourners at a wake may not eat more than three sandwiches.
FLORIDA
-Unmarried women who parachute on Sundays can be fined or jailed.
CALIFORNIA CONT.
-In Carmel, a man can’t go outside while wearing a jacket and pants that do not match
-In Fresno, it’s illegal to annoy a lizard in a city park.
-In Eureka, men who wear moustaches are forbidden from kissing women.
ARIZONA
-In Glendale, cars may not be driven in reverse.
-Donkeys cannot sleep in bathtubs.
NEVADA
-In Las Vegas, It's against the law to pawn your dentures.
