I’m the birthday girl and I’m going to Armenia

July 2 is a very special day for me, after all it is my birthday! Yet today I consider myself the luckiest and this birthday extra special. I don’t need no birthday cake to blow the candles and wish for something because my wish is already happening. People usually say that “nobody in life gets exactly what they want.” Yeah right! Are you kidding me? I’m getting more than what I wanted. Being part of the AYF Youth Corps Program will give me a chance to establish a tie between my motherland, create ties with younger brothers and sisters, and be part of history in the making. What more can I ask for?I am Spending a whole summer in Armenia with 25 friends. Don’t tell me you are not jealous!

I know it’s usually not common for teenagers to leave their home at the age of 19 to go to a country where running water is luxury and begin to volunteer. But, our homeland is calling us and we are the only ones it relies on. Remember what Kennedy once said, “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” So, here I go! I am ready to get to work. I will dedicate my summer and serve my time for my homeland.

I can’t wait to see Ararat and a view of Armenia from the airplane. You know what’s better? When I see the “Pari Kaloosd” sign and truly feel like I am back home! The best feeling will be when 25 of us are together working towards a common cause. This will give us a chance to forget that we are diasporans and feel like we are Armenians.

So goodbye California and hamburgers… Hello Yerevan, lavash, ponchik, shawarma and so much more…

By: Verginie Touloumian