By Talar Kachechian
COLLEGE PARK, Md.—As AYFers, we have a desire to connect with our grassroots and grow with our culture. Involvement with the Armenian Student Union (ASU) at the University of Maryland in College Park is one of the many ways Washington, D.C. “Ani” Chapter members—Narineh Abrahamian, Sosy Tartarian, Tanya Besiryan, and myself—are active.
The ASU holds regular meetings and events, which the AYFers help coordinate. The ASU hosts an annual Thanksgiving Dinner where all Armenian youth are invited to come together and sit as one family to enjoy a meal, thankful that we have each other as friends. Every semester, as University of Maryland has a First Look Fair where students sign up for various clubs and organizations, AYF members, as well as ASU members, sit at a beautifully decorated red, blue, and orange booth to promote the ASU to prospective student members. We also host an end-of-year BBQ, tailgate parties, picnic, and camping trip, and listen to various speakers such as the Assembly’s grassroots director, Taniel Koushakjian. The ASU has also been involved with the recently developed Armenian Student Network at George Washington University by encouraging involvement between the two college groups.
The ASU and AYF have been working side by side, always informed of the other organization’s events, and assisting in preparing, promoting, and supporting each other. The AYF has counted on the ASU at our April 24 protest and silent vigil, while the ASU has counted on assistance from its AYF members at their tailgate and Thanksgiving dinner events. The backbone of both organizations is very stable due to the involvement of diligent AYFers and non-AYFers alike.
As members of the AYF, we are obligated to pursue alternate ways of being connected to our culture even when college or other circumstances take us away from our community. As William Saroyan most famously quoted, “For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” It’s with great pride that I publicize the involvement of the AYF members in my local university here in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area. We look forward to seeing you all at our 2011 National Athletic Tournament! Are YOU ready?
Guest Contributor
Latest posts by Guest Contributor (see all)
- Ani Nalbandian introduces her new book to Mourad Armenian School students - December 18, 2024
- A special release show for Arto Vaun’s “Stuck Inside a Map” - December 17, 2024
- UCLA announces release of documentary on Armenian Genocide looted art and restitution - December 17, 2024
Be the first to comment