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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
AGBU INTERNS TAKE A GAMBLE ON THE BIG APPLE
With overwhelming curiosity and, in some cases, incertitude about
what awaited them in the Big Apple, this year’s 35 interns have taken
New York by storm embarking on a professional, cultural and personal
journey with AGBU’s New York Summer Intern Program (NYSIP).
Established in 1987 and co-chaired by Vartkess and Rita Balian, NYSIP
() is still currently under their supervision in
its 19th season. Sponsored by the AGBU President’s Club, the program
places young Armenians in eight-week internships for prestigious,
world-class organizations, while providing a well-rounded program of
Armenian cultural, educational and community service activities.
Placed in internships that will guide them towards a successful future,
the interns have temporarily settled in New York from seven different
countries in the hopes of fulfilling their professional dreams and
sharing a memorable summer with their global peers.
Taking away unforgettable experiences, memories and lessons, two
young aspiring students, Greg Guroian from Stamford, Connecticut
and Kara Boodakian from Boston, Massachusetts, share their mixed
emotions of excitement and apprehension as they discover that even
in one of the largest cities in the world, you are never too far from
your Armenian roots.
For more information on NYSIP, please email [email protected]. For
more information on AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit
GREGORY GUROIAN, AGBU INTERN FOR AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL
ENGINEERS (ASME)
New York — what a place to be! Having grown up in Stamford,
Connecticut, New York City is not new to me. I have visited the famous
city on many occasions…have seen numerous Broadway shows, climbed
the Statue of Liberty, visited the top of the Empire State Building,
and skated at Rockefeller Center, just to name a few of the exciting
attractions I have explored. Because of my familiarity, never in my
wildest dreams would I have expected to live in New York for a summer.
I have always been more of a suburbs type of guy, and was not
accustomed to the fast pace of city life. Would I survive the everyday
hubbub of the city that never sleeps? Or would I get trampled along
the way? If there was one thing that kept me at ease, it was that I
knew Armenians are very personable people.
This was the primary focus of my concerns before I arrived in New York
to participate in AGBU’s Intern Program. Sure…I would be meeting
thirty-four new Armenians from all over the world but I have already
experienced that at St. Nersess for the last ten years. However,
this program was unique.
Adjusting to New York life was difficult at first. I was hurled into
an unfamiliar dorm, with little or no idea of what I was supposed to
be doing, or where I was supposed to be going. My initial uncertainty
quickly faded, however, as I met the other interns.
I realized, once again, that no matter what part of the world we
are from, our Armenian culture unites us, gifting us with an instant
bond of friendship that many other people do not have the luxury of
knowing. Quickly, I made new friends and together, we explored the
hidden utopias of the city; the ones that only locals come to know
and enjoy. These new friendships have become the vehicle through
which I was able to adjust to my life in New York.
Five weeks later, I think it is safe to say, that I am well on my way,
if not fully acclimated to New York. The friendships that I have made
during this program continue to grow and prosper; they are nurtured
by community service activities like Children’s Day at South Street
Seaport and the Scavenger Hunt. Through activities like these, as
well as quality time in and out of the dorms, I feel that I have
developed relationships that will last for years to come.
So far, the AGBU Summer Intern Program has surpassed my expectations;
I look forward to another phenomenal month with these wonderful people.
Gregory Guroian is entering his senior year at the University of
Connecticut majoring in Management and Engineering for Manufacturing.
KARA BOODAKIAN, AGBU INTERN FOR THEATRE ROW
I have never attended, or even heard of AGBU Camp Nubar… could not
speak a word of Armenian…have never been to Armenia…and did not
know many Armenians outside of family.
It is for these reasons that I was very apprehensive about even
submitting an application to the AGBU New York Summer Intern
Program. However, I knew it would be a shame to pass up this rare
opportunity to learn about my ancestry and heritage from both peers
and adults of varying backgrounds. This was my chance to strengthen
my Armenian knowledge and to connect with my roots.
Naturally, upon entering the program, I assumed other interns would
be a bit more knowledgeable about Armenians and our culture, but
I was shocked by the extent to which many of them spoke Armenian
fluently, had traveled to Armenia, and were very involved in the
community. Likewise, many of the other interns were surprised to meet
peers, such as myself, who knew so little about our Armenian culture
and heritage.
My roommate, Tanya, and I could not be a better example of Armenians
with different experiences. While I am starting from square one,
Tanya mixes Armenian and English words as though they are all one
language, and is a patient teacher, passionate about preserving and
promoting Armenian culture. And I am ready and willing to learn.
Upon discovering my very limited knowledge but desire to learn,
I became Tanya’s personal project. One night when I returned to our
room, I entered to find post-its on the furniture and walls labeled
"parts," "badouhan" and "hakusd," which I have come to learn as pillow,
window and clothes.
While I may be still working on the basics, each day Tanya and many
other interns contribute to my learning experience both directly
and indirectly. Reflecting on the past month, I have 34 new friends,
have found two distant cousins, can speak and recognize about 25 words
and phrases in Armenian and know that this is only the beginning of
a summer of adventure and learning.
Kara Boodakian is entering her senior year at Lafayette College
majoring in Anthropology and Sociology and minoring in Music.
www.agbu.org
www.agbu.org/nysip
www.agbu.org.