After Birthright Armenia Orientation, My First Thought Was: 'Finally'

After talking with the various speakers during orientation day, I thought: Finally, someone has put into words all the thoughts I've wanted to express for so many years but couldn't find the right words for. Finally, a place where I don't need to justify my identity, where I can speak Armenian with my accent without fearing the judgment of others.

As a first-generation French-Armenian, I always felt the need to justify my identity, to preserve my Armenian culture and heritage, without ever doing “enough.” It seemed that I constantly had to choose between the country I was born in and the country where I grew up. How could I be one without renouncing the other? Ultimately, I was left never feeling "good enough" for either of them.

Having left Armenia as a little child and not returning until I was 21, I realized growing up that my country was my family, my parents and my brothers. It was once I was home that I no longer had to justify myself. It was once I was home I could simply be who I am. Armenia, though always in my heart, remained my distant country more than 3,000 km away.

First Memory at Birthright

A memorable moment was my first meeting with the head Armenian teacher who came to assess my placement for the language classes. When she asked me in Armenian, “How are you? How was your day?”, I answered, a bit embarrassed by my accent, that I was very well, had a great day, and was happy to be at Birthright Armenia. She said without any hesitation: “But you understand and speak Armenian very well!” Her comment and encouragement gave me a real boost of confidence, and I was never again shy about speaking Armenian, even with my accent.

First Excursion: From Singing on the Bus to Ending Up Soaked, Tired, but Happy

During our first excursion to Goshavank, we took the bus, joyfully singing with my friend Serena. We discussed everything for over two hours: our studies, lives, families, Armenia, our different dialects, and more importantly, how there should be no separation from the language we speak. Most importantly, however, no attempt to classify ourselves as another type of Armenian, whether it be due to our accents, dialects, or our diasporan origin. We were just two Armenians speaking in Armenian, without the need to justify anything.

After four hours of hiking in the beautiful Armenian mountains, torrential rain surprised us, making the path slippery. Despite our frequent falls, we continued, helping each other and enjoying the music.

Arriving at Goshavank, soaked and tired, we found comfort in sharing a hot tea. I had never been so happy about a hike, despite my five falls (literally). That day, I met some incredible people, and exchanged stories about our “Armenianness,” our journeys, and our motivations for volunteering in Armenia, all in multiple languages, because as our program director told us the first day that we arrived, in reality, our heart and intention spoke more for ourselves than the languages and words that we use.

I realized that I was not “half and half” but 100% of both identities. I understood that our Armenian identity is diverse, and that there is no single way to be Armenian. Armenia was no longer a distant country, but these people around me, each with their own story, struggle, and definition of Armenia and what it represents.

Armenia in my heart became these people I met during my volunteering, all the stories that we shared, and all the dances that we danced together. Our identities transcend a simple choice, a passport, a language, or a physical territory.

Through Birthright, I discovered a profound connection to my heritage and a sense of belonging that transcended borders. You will surely find your place too, there is no doubt with the incredible Birthright team supporting you every step of the way as you discover and explore your identity while discovering at the same time Armenia.