Birthright Armenia. Those two words represent a program that is beyond description.
Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to experience 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. To immerse myself into the Armenian life. And to 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 they also provide 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 which 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
unforgettable and amazing experiences. Allow yourself to be inspired, expose yourself to the
new and unknown, and trust in your ability to make a difference.
To all my Armenian peers, I encourage you to look into this program. 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.
Learn more by visiting: http://www.birthrightarmenia.org/en/.
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.