Graduating Seniors With Armenian Studies Minor

Name: Michael Harutinian
Age: 23
Major: Ag Business
What are your Plans after Graduation?
I plan on doing some traveling and then getting a job in the agriculture field.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I see myself established in a career.
What was the most influential part of your college experience?
The most influential part of my college experience was the relationships that I developed while at college with my professors and friends. The guidance that I received from my professors has been excellent and they have helped to be able to think more critically and not to take anything on face value.
How do you feel the Armenian Studies Program influenced your college experience?
Through the ASP I have acquired a deeper understanding of my roots and culture. The friendships that I have made with students that I have met through the ASP and ASO will last a lifetime

Name: Stacie Shahbazian
Age: 22
Major: Liberal Studies
What are your plans after Graduation?
After graduation, I will marry my fiancé, Paul Melikian, on June 22nd and live in Kingsburg. In August, I will begin law school at San Joaquin College of Law.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Paul and I have talked about this together. We see ourselves working in Fresno, raising a family, building a house, and enjoying the company of family and friends.
What was the most influential part of your college experience?It’s hard to sum up 4 years in a sentence or two, but I believe the most influential part of my college experience was meeting and interacting with many new and interesting people. I’ve learned a lot of life’s important lessons through college. Fresno State is a great school!
How do you feel the Armenian Studies Program influenced your college experience?
The Armenian Studies Program provided me with cultural awareness and an opportunity to explore my heritage. This program gave me a chance to see the generosity and support of the Armenian community through the Scholarship program. I’ve gained insight on what it means to be an Armenian. It was a wonderful program and I really enjoyed it!

Name: Charles Hagop Sislian
Age: 23
Major: Ag Business
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on taking a few fun classes at Fresno City next semester. I anticipate working within the next few months. I have decided on a few potential employers and need to finalize my decision.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I plan to be firmly planted in a career with the Agriculture Industry. By that time, I should be married and be starting a family. I plan on being well established before marriage and well traveled.
What was the most influential part of your college experience?
All of the courses I took within the Armenian Studies Program made me re-evaluate what it means to be a proud Armenian. However, the most influential experience was spending June of 2001 in Armenia and learning in person what I have spent years in classrooms studying.
How do you feel the Armenian Studies Program influenced your college experience?
In an extremely positive manner. Everyone in the ASP is warm, helpful and friendly. I can’t imagine going through college without it. Shad shanoragalootun!

Name: Jude Dunbar
Age: 28
Major: Geography
What are your plans after graduation?
If my plans for multiple lottery award winner fall through, I’ll probably either go graduate school or work for the state.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Married with 2.5 kids, 3.7 mortgages, 1.5 underpaid overworked jobs, 0 Ferraris.
What was the most influential part of your college experience?
Class schedule-your whole life revolves around it for four years.
How do you feel the Armenian Studies Program influenced your college experience?
Armenian Studies classes helped me to learn more about my background.

Name: Tamara Karakashian
Age: 23
Major: Liberal Studies/Linguistics
What are your plans after graduation?
I have already begun the Masters Program in Linguistics at California State University, Fresno.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I am hoping to be teaching English as a Second Language either at the college level here in the United States, or abroad.
What was the most influential part of your college experience?
The most influential part of my college experience has been the life long friendships that I have created. Learning from each and every person, fellow students and professors alike, has been the highlight of my college career.
How do you feel the Armenian Studies Program influenced your college experience?
The Armenian Studies Program has impacted my life in a huge way. Through history classes I was able to learn the true past of our forefathers. Through the language classes I have been able to strengthen my knowledge of the Armenian language which will help me in my masters program in Linguistics.

Name: Shushan Khalachyan
Age: 26
Major: International Business
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on taking a trip to Europe. When I return, I will be working at the University Business Center (UBC) at the Craig School of Business. After gaining some experience in the workforce I also plan on attending Graduate School.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years from now I see myself as being healthy, happy, and successful.
What was the most influential part of your college experience?
The most influential part of my college experience, other than all of the knowledge I gained, is having the opportunity to grow, learn from my experiences, and to meet people and make new lifelong friends.
How do you feel the Armenian Studies Program influenced your college experence?
The Armenian Studies Program allowed me to learn more about myself and my family. Learning about my culture and background allowed me to be a stronger college student. Thank you.

Name: Kristy Melikian
Age: 23
Major: Liberal Studies
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to obtain my teaching credential at Fresno State.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ten years from now I see myself working as an elementary school teacher. I also plan to be married and starting a family of my own.
What was the most influential part of your college experience?
The most influential part of my college experience was spending a semester abroad in London. Throughout this experience, I was not only able to grow as a person but I had the opportunity to see another part of the world.
How do you feel the Armenian Studies Program influenced your college experience?
I feel that the Armenian Studies Program has influenced my college experience by bringing me closer to my Armenian culture, while creating friendships with fellow Armenians. I have also gained a greater appreciation for the Armenian people.