By Erik Khzmalyan
I have lived in various cities over the past several years—starting from my hometown Yerevan to a small town in Oregon, then to Los Angeles and to Marshall, Minn. These trips helped me to gain valuable experience, meet some bright people, expand my horizons, and fill my life with exhilarating adventures. But as an aspiring diplomat, I kept in mind that working or interning in Washington, D.C. was a must, so I made it my goal to settle in D.C. for a couple of months. As soon as I learned about the amazing internship opportunity offered by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), I started putting my paperwork together without wasting a minute.
Success!
About two months ago I received an e-mail congratulating me on my acceptance to the Leo Sarkisian Internship (LSI) program in Washington. There I was sitting in my room with a big smile on my face, already imagining myself walking around Capitol Hill meeting high-profile legislators, political activists, and diplomats from all around the world. The countdown had begun.
I arrived in Washington on June 11. One of the most exciting journeys of my life was about to begin. While in a cab en route to the ANCA office, I looked around trying not to miss any of the architectural masterpieces that D.C. is known for. I couldn’t believe that I would be spending the next two months interning in the nation’s capital. Needless to say, this was a dream come true for a political science major. My life had definitely taken an exciting turn.
As I expected, the first week was full of back-to-back meetings, lectures, and assignments. We heard talks by the ANCA’s Aram Hamparian and Elizabeth Chouldjian, witnessed Samantha Power testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, had a riveting conversation with Rep. David Valadao, met Rep. Robert Dold who sponsored the Armenian Genocide Resolution, and visited Rep. Adam Schiff’s office to discuss some of the issues concerning Armenia and U.S.-Turkey relations.
Part of this internship program are the individual projects that we are assigned. I couldn’t have been happier to learn that for the next couple of weeks I’ll be conducting intensive research on Artsakh (Karabagh).
There are many privileges of being an intern in Washington, D.C. We get a first-hand look at the political system of the U.S., get to take advantage of ample opportunities, and have direct access to some of the greatest sources. And this is exactly what I did for my project: used the opportunity of meeting with Nagorno-Karabagh Representative to the U.S. Robert Avetisyan for my research project.
After Avetisyan briefed us on what he and his team do to advance the interests of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (NKR), I immediately started asking questions about Artsakh’s attempts to be recognized as an independent republic, its right to self-determination, its humanitarian needs. Avetisyan’s statements that Karabagh has the necessary elements to be a free and democratic state were reassuring. It is also important to consider the statements made by international observers who praised NKR for holding elections in accordance with international standards. On the other end of the spectrum is neighboring Azerbaijan, which has dramatically shifted toward authoritarianism and whose human rights record is on an unprecedented decline.
Avetisyan several times mentioned the ANCA and the Armenian-American community’s valuable contributions in guaranteeing Artsakh’s security and prosperity.
Now that we are here in Washington, D.C., we are committed to putting our entire potential in motion. Advocating for the Armenian Cause has become part of our lives and essence. I believe that it should be the duty of every Armenian to get involved in activities that aim to obtain justice for the Armenian people.
Today, the very fact that we have an independent country should serve as a stimulus for all of us to put our efforts into making Armenia a better place, securing Artsakh’s self-determination, and achieving global recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
After completing my internship, I will proceed with my task of sharing my experience and knowledge with my community—and students in particular. Educating non-Armenians about the current issues regarding the Armenian Cause has been on my agenda for quite a while. This internship will enhance my knowledge and motivation to educate my fellow students about our politics, culture, history, and the Cause we are fighting for.
Erik Khzmalyan is in the Class of 2015 at Southwest Minnesota State University.
Guest Contributor
Dear Erik,
I would share your joy if you described instead a different journey titled:
Final Destination: Stepanakert!!!!! Via Washington, Marshall, Los Angeles, Newport and Yerevan.
Wow, Erik! You have come a long way since we were on stage together under the auspices of the AUA English Language Department, and your character was attempting to steal my character’s daughter! Congratulations, and the best of luck.