Catching the Gyumri Bug

A last-minute redirection to Gyumri just a week before arriving in Armenia turned out to be a remarkable yet unexpected gift. What I knew of Gyumri before settling here was that it was the second-largest city in Armenia and the cultural capital of the country. An internet search can only tell you so much; there was no way I could have anticipated what this city had in store, the community and family I would gain here, and the opportunities made available to me. Every moment since my arrival has been filled with endless gratitude, joy, and a sense of magic.

Gyumri Felt Like Home

From the very beginning, Gyumri felt like home. I was immediately welcomed here, first by my host family, who greeted me with so much warmth and excitement. They treated me as a part of the family from the first night. Although I couldn’t speak a single phrase beyond “Barev, inchpes es”, they have continued to prove to me that a beautiful connection can be made despite a language barrier.

The immediate welcome I received at my homestay wasn’t the first. As soon as I entered the Gyumri office, the volunteers immediately stood up and embraced me with kind smiles and excitement. “You must be Sydney,” many of them said, pulling me into welcoming hugs. I was floored by the kindness and sincerity radiating from everyone I met. Later that day, I joined my first havak at a local rock climbing gym. One activity involved stepping off a high platform and trusting the belayer to catch my fall. The experience felt like a perfect metaphor for my first day: nervousness mingled with exhilaration as I prepared to take a leap — not just from the platform, but into this new journey in Armenia. Yet, as I stood there, surrounded by people I had only just met who were cheering me on, I felt reassured. It became clear from that moment that taking leaps and trusting the process weren’t just themes for the day but were central to the program itself.

The havaks and excursions quickly became the highlight of my weeks, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion and meaningful exploration of Armenia’s breathtaking landscapes. As someone who is a quarter Armenian, I had initially hesitated to join the program, feeling self-conscious about how little I knew of Armenia’s language, traditions, and history. But now, I realize that’s precisely why this program exists — to connect Armenians to their heritage, whatever that might look like, in a way that is deeply personal and transformative.

Professionally, there is no better way to learn about Armenia’s development than by directly contributing. In just two and a half months, I have gained incredible exposure to Gyumri’s nonprofit landscape. Through my job sites, I have been able to deepen my skills in grant research and writing, as well as build a fundraising strategy for one of my job sites and research donors in Armenia and the US. While I have collaborated on grants before, Nor Luyce and the Women’s Rights House have given me the opportunity to take the lead on crafting grant proposals. I’m immensely grateful for these teams, both of which are doing incredibly impactful work for women and girls in the Shirak region. Getting to work with two groups of such dedicated and passionate women has been hugely meaningful for me in my personal and professional development.

The People Who Made It Unforgettable

But without question, the most transformative part of this experience has been the people. As volunteers, we often reflect on how lucky we are that our paths have crossed from all corners of the world right at this moment in our lives. Every day here promises something special — an unexpected encounter, a meaningful conversation, or a spontaneous decision that turns into a treasured memory. Some of my favorite moments have been the simplest: playing basketball on a quiet Sunday afternoon, grabbing dinner after the gym, or gathering for a cozy Friendsgiving to celebrate the holiday and the season’s first snowfall. These moments have created bonds that feel unshakable, no matter the inevitable distance between us when we leave the program. I’ve never felt a sense of belonging as quickly or as wholeheartedly as I have here. With the support of fellow volunteers, Marine and Khachik, my host family, and my language teacher, I’ve found a remarkable community whose impact will stay with me long after I leave Gyumri.

When Marine asked me to write this summary, I thought it was a simple task I could finish in 20 minutes, but as soon as I sat down to seriously reflect on my time here, I realized no words could truly capture my gratitude for this place and its people. I’ve caught the Gyumri bug, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.