AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x137
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 21, 2005
AGBU INTERNS CROSS THE HALFWAY MARK
New York, NY – As designed by the AGBU New York Summer Intern Program
(NYSIP), the world’s most professionally challenging and culturally
enriching Armenian internship program, the 32 interns of 2005 have
grown not only as up-and-coming professionals but as Armenians who,
thanks to NYSIP, identify now, more than ever, with their culture
and heritage.
Entering their sixth exhilarating week with a diverse array of
activities at their disposal, the interns have had the pleasure
of mingling and networking with local professionals and community
leaders, including a screening by Andrew Goldberg of his documentary
“The Armenians: A Story of Survival;” a networking skills seminar
with entrepreneur Paul Kayaian, a former Manager of Sponsorships
for the XFL and NASCAR; Armenian dance lessons by AGBU Antranig
Dance Ensemble performers; and a professional seminar on resume
writing and interviewing tips with Ryan Herson of Young & Rubicam,
an advertising agency.
The second in a three-part series of inside accounts and individual
testimonials, this article shines a spotlight on AGBU interns Carolyn
Nishon and Lara Golnazarians as they provide you a peek into their
professional and personal lives, and what it means to them to make
new Armenian connections as young adults.
Established in 1987 by Vartkess and Rita Balian and still
currently under their supervision in its 18th season, AGBU NYSIP
() is sponsored by AGBU’s President’s Club placing
young, aspiring Armenians in eight-week internships for prestigious,
world-class organizations, while providing a well-rounded program of
Armenian cultural, community service and social activities.
CAROLYN NISHON, AGBU INTERN FOR KALEIDOSCOPE IMAGING My mother once
told me that no matter where you go, if you seek out other Armenians,
you will discover a welcoming community…an extension of your own
family. Having spent six weeks here in NYC, I’m finally beginning
to understand what she meant exactly. She called me the other day
and asked if I missed home. I answered with an honest “No” because
although I’m nearly 700 miles away from Okemos, Michigan, I’ve never
felt more “at home.”
Within this group of interns, I have undeniably found an extension
of my own family. However, this cultural link exists not only within
the NYU dorms, but in the workplace as well. I am so fortunate to be
working in a creative, innovative environment at Kaleidoscope Imaging
where the relationships I have with my fellow Armenian coworkers make
the experience unique and exceptional. Whether they are working with
me to produce the most skillfully crafted 3-D model of a product or
teaching me to count in Armenian as we pass each other in the hallways,
our ethnic connection makes my job much more personal and welcoming.
Through this Program, I have truly come to respect and value my
heritage. And what better place to connect with my culture than in this
incredible city. With each passing day, I find myself more independent,
more capable, more Armenian.
Carolyn Nishon is entering her junior year at University of Michigan
double majoring in English and Psychology.
LARA GOLNAZARIANS, AGBU INTERN FOR ABSTRACT EDGE “Time flies when you
are having fun.” Speaking for all NYSIP 2005 Interns, this past month
has been an intense professional experience fused with New York,
on the go, extravaganza-filled events, intellectually stimulating
lectures and life lasting friendships.
Hailing from eight countries, I was initially curious as to how such
an assorted collection of youth would get along. Each intern exudes
matchless characteristics unique to their home country. Various
languages, distinct customs and traditions have defined the group
bringing new meaning to the word “international.” However, I soon
realized that even though each intern is significantly different,
we all share a special connection…our Armenian heritage.
“Music is the world language”…on June 29, within the walls of AGBU
Central Office, this aphorism came alive. Individually hesitant,
each intern nervously looped pinkies for the first Armenian dance
lesson. A few foot stumbles and laughs of embarrassing mishaps later,
the group slowly unified step by step. Collectively observing and
teaching each other the Tamzara and the Michigan hop, each intern added
their own flare to the familiar music we identify as our own. As each
beat thumped, the same tunes that once held our ancestors together
generations ago in distant Armenian villages traveled time to unify
our modern mini-world in our 21st century New York metropolis.
Although accents differ and customs may be dissimilar, we should
treasure our heritage, history and culture, which not only sets us
apart from the world, but also unifies us as a distinct race. The
Armenian music rekindled the spirit of our great culture and reminded
us of the opportunities and experiences we share this summer, and
most importantly, our purpose as young Armenians to give back to
the community what it has offered us – a sense of belonging. Whether
it is folk music, poetic literature, religion, language or cuisine,
we must honor daily the connection we share as an Armenian.
Lara Golnazarians is entering her senior year at University of Southern
California majoring in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention with a
double minor in Business and Art History.