I’ve never written articles about any of my personal life experiences. I have been writing, erasing and rewriting all over again, but this trip was worth the struggle J I also always let my emotional side take over, which you will of course notice. 

I’ve spent four months in Yerevan for an internship through Birthright Armenia, and let me say, that it has been an absolute pleasure.

Armenia, you just made everything so easy. In a sense of self-discovery, the entire trip was very freeing. I lived with a family of five, who made me feel like I can always depend on them, and I am very grateful for that. But starting from the moment I arrived to Yerevan, I felt in control of myself. I learned to rely on myself completely, which is an amazing novelty!

Armenia, you kept me so happily busy. You have no idea how four months just flew by. Starting from my internships at two amazing jobsites, to the countless cultural events and concerts, trips to the loveliest villages, breezy nights in the streets of Yerevan, visits to Armenian households to make gata, drink wine and homemade Armenian oghi that burns your throat to death… this trip has been full of lovely memories that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life; the kind that actually makes you see, in the back of your mind, the bright lovely smiles planted on the faces of the welcoming people in every one of those villages and households (ayo I’m seeing them right now as I write this).

Last but not least, a little something to my dearest Birthright Armenia and AVC family! You have filled my heart with so much love! I enormously miss each and every one of your lovely souls, from your warm hugs, to your encouraging and positive words and presence! You are the ones who made this experience worthwhile.  

Thank you Birthright Armenia, and thank you Armenia; you are forever engraved in my heart!

Nayira Baghdassarian

Lebanon