The Consummate Volunteer
AGBU New England Chair Ara Balikian on the power of human connections
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June 03, 2010
AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School and AGBU YPLA Host Career Day
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Michelle Gevoian, television editor for E! Entertainment's "True Hollywood Story," speaks to students at the AGBU Manoukian High School. -
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Organizers and presenters of the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School and AGBU YPLA Career Day.
By Aleen L. Khanjian
Pasadena, CA - On May 19, 2010, nearly forty young Armenian professionals in business, finance, health care, law, journalism, public relations, law enforcement, firefighting, aerospace engineering, graphic- and interior design, fine art, priesthood, and media/entertainment took an afternoon off to share information about their career paths with upper grade high school students from the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School in Pasadena and the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park. Organized by the AGBU Young Professionals of Los Angeles (YPLA) in collaboration with the AGBU Manoukian High School, the event, held at the AGBU Pasadena Center, allowed the YPs to extend their reach to and involvement in the lives of over 160 young members of the AGBU family.
The discussions focused on topics such as college choices, engagement in extra-curricular activities, and the importance of students choosing a career they are passionate about. The afternoon concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by final remarks from the first Armenian-American Los Angeles City Councilmember, Paul Krekorian.
"Our goal to expand students' ideas about possible career choices and university majors was met on Career Day," said Vice Principal Talin Kargodorian. "By meeting and engaging with the presenters, our students had a unique opportunity to learn about internships, attending college, as well as networking. In fact, the organizers and presenters gave our students an opportunity to witness real-life achievements that Armenian Americans can attain, in their professional capacity. We thank the presenters for exposing our students to the success that they have garnered."
Michelle Gevoian, television editor for E! Entertainment's "True Hollywood Story," said she was thoroughly impressed by the event. "[Having] so many Armenian professionals in one room created an inspiring atmosphere. I am confident that the presenters were able to show these high school students that there are an infinite number of paths to take on this road of life and that if you follow your heart and continue to work hard, chances are you will reach your desired destination." She noted that her Armenian network and initial exposure in an Armenian TV program had been instrumental in paving the path to her current position, thus drawing students' attention to the fact that the presence of so many professionals offering their expertise was indicative of the power of the Armenian community and the support it has to offer them.
The AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Pasadena High School perseveres in its mission to cultivate the potential of every student in a safe and nurturing environment while promoting academic excellence as students develop their ethnic identity and knowledge of Armenian culture and heritage. For more information about the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Pasadena High School, please visit www.agbuphs.org.
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