I’ll definitely bring my children to Armenia: Eric Poghosyan
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Participating in the “Ari Tun” Program made the summer of 2015 unique and different for Armenian Americans Eric and David Poghosyan. The brothers aren’t visiting Armenia for the first time, but they say there are a lot of things that are new to them. Hayern Aysor sat down for an interview with the brothers, who were pleased to share their feelings and impressions.
Eric: We have visited Armenia many times, but we feel different every time. The highlight of this summer was the “Ari Tun” Program during which we participated in short field trips to many of the sites in Armenia that we hadn’t seen yet.
Hayern Aysor: Tell us a little about yourselves. What are you interests?
Eric: I’m 17 years old. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. My parents moved here 20 years ago. Besides going to college, I’ve also been playing basketball for 11 years. I’m currently a basketball coach. I’ve played for many teams and have achieved great success.
David: My brother is a year older than me. I’m also studying in college and playing basketball and, as strange as it may sound, I also play the piano.
Hayern Aysor: How is it that you both speak Armenian fluently and beautifully while growing up in an American environment?
Eric: We used to live in Armenia for a while. I went to school here. We can read and write in Armenian. At home, we mainly speak in Armenian. We don’t forget the language because we use it often.
David: I think fully knowing Armenian, listening to Armenian music and watching Armenian films are the best ways for Armenians to preserve their type and culture in America, and we try to do just that.
Hayern Aysor: If you had a chance to live and work in the Homeland, would it be hard for you to choose between Armenia and Los Angeles?
Eric: It might be difficult because I was raised in Los Angeles, but I’ll definitely bring my children to Armenia so that they learn about their history and feel connected to the homeland.
David: I don’t know. I haven’t thought about that yet.
Hayern Aysor: Do you think the youth in Los Angeles and the youth in Armenia have different world views?
Eric: Yes, of course they do. We have the same interests, but the youth here respect their elders more. Unfortunately, it’s not like that in the States.
Hayern Aysor: I know you are staying with a host family. Was it easy to adapt to the new conditions?
David: Yes, they received us very well, especially the boy named Shavarsh. He’s a couple of years older than us, but we get along well. We tour the city in the evenings.
Hayern Aysor: What do you think of the “Ari Tun” Program?
Eric: There are children who are visiting Armenia for the first time, and the program serves as the best opportunity for them to discover Armenia. The program is also interesting in terms of meeting new people and making new friends. During the program, we met Christopher, who is also from Los Angeles. Time flies when you’re in a familiar and heartwarming environment.
Emma Vardanyan