‘’Living in Armenia has always been something that I was coming to. As a Diasporan, I attribute much love for and knowledge of my background to the four main pillars I was exposed to while growing up; my family, my school (Melankton and Haig Arslanian Djemaran), Homenetmen and ARF."

"My family introduced me to my Armenian heritage and value system, at school I was constantly exposed to the importance of the Armenian language and history, at Homenetmen I was always surrounded by the Armenian patriotic spirit and so many ‘’Yerakouyns’’ (Armenian Flag). Finally, it was the ARF that taught me the importance of not just only loving my homeland, but also serving to it. Those four pillars allowed my transition and subsequent integration into Armenian society to be as seamless as possible’’.

‘’Being a certified financial risk manager, I work in the investment management field at Riviera Capital CJSC. The company’s mission crosses with my beliefs in bringing investments in the country and participating in its growth. In collaboration with Management Mix, I teach financial management as part of the Executive MBA program at YSMU. I work three jobs compared to the one that I was working back in Lebanon, but I'm not as tired at the end of the day as I used to be back there. This isn’t because I don’t work as hard, but rather I’m more driven to do the work in Armenia and pushed to experience new perspectives available in different sectors’’. 

 

‘’Balance – is the magic tool. Plan your move and be realistic with your expectations’’

“One of the stereotypes about Armenia among the diaspora people is that the country is waiting for them with a golden plate and spoon. For many, it’s a utopian society mirroring heaven itself. It's amazing that Armenians from around the world get this euphoric feeling and chills down their spine simply from the mere word - Armenia. Unfortunately, that rush is based partially on illusion. Armenia is like any other country; it has its good and its bad. If we want to actualize our homeland to be what we expect of it, then it’s on us not to wait for Armenia to serve us with a golden platter, rather helping it become the paradise we envision."

‘’Visit the country. Coming for a few weeks during the summer is not a good representation of Armenia as a whole. It is best to experience different seasons, interact with locals, and search for possible career opportunities along the way. I didn’t visit Armenia for a summer then came home to pack my bags and make the move. It took me two years to prepare for the move. "

 

“There has not been a second in my time here that I regret moving to Armenia. Whether its earlier or later in life, everyone needs to make the decision for themselves. It's easy for Armenians to thrive in any corner of the world but why make it a struggle to keep the language, traditions, and history in another country when there's so much opportunity and development here? Why not live our lives in Armenia where our own personal development would be the biggest contributor to the evolving Armenia that we all want to see."