Homecoming to a Place I’d Never Been

Coming to Armenia with Birthright Armenia has been an incredible and life-changing journey, one that has deepened my understanding of who I am and where I come from. As part of the Armenian diaspora, I found myself surrounded by people who, despite coming from different countries with different cultures, shared the same roots, the same history, and the same love for this land. It was both a strange feeling and comforting to feel such a strong connection with other volunteers, to know that we were united by our shared heritage.

Volunteering for Environmental Conservation

During my time here, I had the opportunity to work with the environmental research team at the American University of Armenia (AUA). Volunteering in Armenia through this organization has been an amazing experience, allowing me to see all the work in progress and projects lead in order to preserve the environment. I am personally very concern about all the climate change issues, and I was very proud to see all the ongoing environmental projects in the American University of Armenia. These ongoing environment’s projects shows that Armenia, despite all the difficulties faced, is investing time, energy and concerns in our environment and find solutions to make the country more sustainable, such as by preserving the biodiversity and Armenian ecosystem (which are breathtaking!). Moreover, this experience has equipped me with valuable skills and knowledges that will undoubtedly benefit my future academic and professional career.

Living with a host family was another highlight of my time in Armenia. The warmth and hospitality I have experienced make me feel like I was truly part of the family. My host family welcomed me with open arms, sharing their traditions, stories, and, of course, delicious Armenian food. Sharing meals together was a special way to connect with my host family and learn more about Armenian culture.

Weekends were filled with exploration and discovery through Birthright’s excursions. While traveling around Armenia, I could admire the beauty of its landscapes. Every place I visited, and every person I met added a new layer to my understanding of what it means to be Armenian, from huge cities to tiny villages.

I will never forget how locals welcomed me as one of their own, never treating me as a stranger. This acceptance reinforced my sense of belonging and made me realize that Armenia is not just a place my family comes from; it is a place where I, too, belong.

A New Perspective on My Armenian Identity

As I return home, I feel a profound shift in how I see myself. It's no longer just about saying, "My family is from Armenia." Now, I can proudly say, "I am Armenian." This experience has connected me to my heritage in a way that will last a lifetime, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

On top of that, meeting many members of the Armenian diaspora from my own country has made this journey special: I knew that all these connections and friendships will continue beyond Armenia. This gives me confidence that this experience is not just a temporary chapter, but the beginning of lasting friendships and a new direction in my life.

The Birthright Armenia program has truly enriched my life in ways I never expected. All the activities, forums, and excursions organized by the program are experiences I will carry with me forever. The program staff went above and beyond to ensure that every participant felt included, cared for, and supported.

Thank you so much for this life-changing journey, I will never forget it.