“I want to study history so that I can fight and protect my country.”

His voice still buzzes in my ear. He's only eight years old, yet he already knows his path for the next decade. He understands his duty.

Who am I?

Hi, I am Nairy and my identity was constructed with my name. Growing up in the diaspora with this name – the name of the homeland – I was enculturated with a deep connection to Armenia, even though I didn't set foot there until I was sixteen. It made me ask questions, questions that I learnt anthropology can answer.

Returning to the homeland was always a part of my conversations until it turned into a reality when I moved to Armenia for my undergraduate degree at the American University of Armenia. Yet, being born and raised in Lebanon, it is a place I feel connected to and a place that also played a role in constructing my identity. Having both of these identities, Armenian and Lebanese, has often left me questioning who I am, especially when both countries have been marked by unrest.

My Academic Interest

After being in Armenia for almost four years now, I also realized how history is taught differently in the diaspora. I realized how education shapes identity and what society values most. In the diaspora, history is about preserving culture and fighting for justice. In Armenia, it is more about survival and action. I observed this in my research where I examined how the idea of the homeland is shaped among the youth of Lebanese-Armenians. I found that both formal and informal education, especially genocide education, play key roles in shaping identity and belonging. This sparked my academic interest in anthropology and education, which I aim to continue studying.

Recently I got accepted to pursue my Master's Degree at Teachers College, Columbia University in Anthropology and Education. Teachers College is ranked as the #1 graduate school in Education and it is the only college in the world that offers a combined program in Anthropology and Education. 

The estimated cost of attendance for the academic year is $85,000. I was honored to have received the Founder's Award for $12,000. This, however, leaves me with a $73,000 gap that I must find a way to cover. This is where your help would come in. With your support, I will be able to study at one of the best universities in the world, before returning back with the skills and knowledge I have acquired to improve the educational practices in Armenia.

With access to diverse courses offered at Columbia University, I will receive a foundation in cultural anthropology which will allow me to critically analyze educational processes and how they can be optimized within political and cultural contexts. When I am back in Armenia and see conflict education being used to inspire and educate rather than create fear, I will know that I have achieved my goal.

I understand it is my responsibility to not take this opportunity for granted. I will ensure I take the best out of this graduate program by dedicating myself to research, leadership and educational possibilities.

Thank you for your support. It is truly appreciated. I will not let you down.

You can find my acceptance letter and cost of attendance details here.