Home is Where the Heart is

Many think of their home as the house they live in or even the city where they grew up. When I hear the word home, I think of a place that makes me the happiest, a place where I feel as though I belong, a place that I have made countless memories, a place where I take the good with the bad and still smile. For me, home is even a place you don’t want to leave, a place that holds a purpose for your existence, and a place that holds a special spot in your heart. Home is also where you have people who you love and cherish, people who accept you for you, people who let you be you, people who continuously challenge you, and where you have people who will remain in your heart forever.
My definition of home has changed during my summer in Hayasdan. I had the opportunity to live in different cities and villages- each one feeling “homier” than the next. I formed life long friendships with so many different types of people. I met kids who blew my mind away by how knowledgeable, creative, independent, and tough they are. I was lucky enough to visit historic places- even some that might not be around for much longer. I was told about real problems, which have showed me how minute everything in my life I have classified as a “problem” truly is. I witnessed with my own two eyes the horrific living conditions some people live in, not to mention how some have cardboard as their roof and table cloth as walls; yet that still does not stop them from offering everything they have to others. Hayasdan has taught me to be much more open minded and much less judgmental and to not be afraid to come out of my comfort zone. I have learned to focus on important issues and to not waste my time on the little things. I have learned to jump at the opportunity to try something new, and to not be afraid to ask questions.
When I hear the word home, I automatically think of Hayasdan. The Youth Corps program has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. With the beautiful sites, fun events, and wonderful times, I also saw the negativity and hardship the locals deal with in Armenia. I have learned so much from my co-participants, from the campers, from the local Ungers, and from the locals. My summer in Hayasdan has been indescribable, and truly one that I will never forget; and I am lucky to say that I experienced all of this in my home.

-Rita Costanian