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My journey from Canada to Armenia

Toronto, Ontario

Hi! My name is Flora Ghanaghounian, and I'd like to start this blog post by talking a little about myself. I was born and raised in Toronto Ontario, Canada, so naturally, it felt like home. Eventually though, I began to want to experience how life is like in other countries.

Garni, Armenia

My first time being in Armenia was the summer of 2018, after the Velvet Revolution. My family and I were inspired by the beauty of the country and all of the potential it held for smart, young, motivated people. Technology and the sector is booming, people are investing, life is simple and beautiful in Armenia. There is such a rich history, culture, and so many people with interesting background stories. I realized how badly I wanted to live here, and luckily, I was close to graduating high school! When we returned back home, I began the applicantion process to attend the American University of Armenia!

The heading of my acceptance letter to AUA

On August 12, 2019, I got the news that I had been accepted for my chosen program, a BA in English and Communications. It gave us a sign that we had to continue moving forward with our plans of settling in Armenia. My father and sister stayed behind as my sister was yet to graduate, so my mom and I bought our plane tickets, and we were on our way!

A picture I took on my way to my motherland, Armenia.

While staring outside of the window of the plane, into the sunrise, I began to think about what would await me when I start to begin a new stage of my life in a completely different society, where the culture is different, along with their way of life. I was extremely excited about what my experience would be like in Armenia!

the Armenian flag, with Mt. Ararat right behind it.

When the plane landed and I entered the country, I immediately felt the difference in the air and quickly felt at home. I also experienced a strong sense of patriotism, and comfort that everyone around me grew up with the same values and traditions as I did. While driving home, I witnessed military vehicles which gave me a sense that of safety, but at the same time, reminded me about the history of war in Artsakh.

Beauty of Armenia

Living in Armenia is so interesting! I feel like I came here at a perfect time to grow, learn, and help contribute to Armenian society. It is an amazing time for young diasporans to contribute. Tourism has a huge potential in Armenia, as there is so much to do and so much to see. There are so many interesting events, concerts, and beauty that Armenia has to offer. From our lakes to our mountains to our people! I wish everyone could experience it.

Me, on the top of Cascade

Despite the beautiful culture Armenia has to offer, adjusting in Armenia was difficult for me. Many people warn you about the culture shock, but no one tells you about how difficult it will be at times, the problems you may face, or the regrets you may think you have. Personally, I felt very out of place, as my Armenian was a different dialect than the locals spoke. Along with this, I felt extremely isolated, since I had left all my friends in Toronto, and had yet to make some in Yerevan. However, my classes at AUA would be starting soon, so I was optimistic about making friends, starting higher education, and continuing my journey.

Orientation day at AUA

On August 26, my orientation at AUA began, and I couldn't be more excited. I met other freshmen students from all around the world, who were essentially in the situation as I was, and we bonded over this fact. As we got to know eachother more, I felt like I finally belonged in a community at AUA which helped me to adjust better.

The start of my Peer Mentoring session

During orientation, I was put in a peer mentoring group with other freshmen students, that helped me understand how to use the facilities and services that AUA had to offer us. This peer mentoring group also helped me feel more at home, as many of the other group members were also Armenians who were raised outside of Armenia.

The last day of our Peer Mentoring sessions.

I've now been in Armenia for 3 months, and I'm happy to say that coming here was one of the best decisions that I have made, and I have no regrets! I wish all young Armenians could experience it. We're still young, but we are smart. We are setting up goals and going towards them by growing ourselves making our country stronger and stronger and enjoying it at the same time. Since I first came here, I've created many valuable friendships and connections which I will cherish forever. I have adjusted to my school life and Armenian society. Living in Armenia has helped me create many short term goals which will eventually help me reach my long term goals. We are one nation, and together, we will thrive! I'm taking everything one day at a time, and I will keep everyone updated with my life in Armenia!