On January 29^th,2019, we had an interview with YSU Ijevan Branch graduate of 2008 academic year, manager of “Apaga tour” LLC Narek L. Chatyan.

–We would like to know your birth date and place.

– I was born on January 17, 1988 in Ijevan.

– Tell us, please, about your family (parents, wife, children).

– I am a son of  pedagogues. My father, Levon Chatyan, has passed away, my mother, Hasmik Abazyan, is a teacher of Armenian language and literature. I have sister and brother. My sister works at Matenadaran, my brother, at Yale Extreme Park.

– What was your childhood dream?

– My dreams were constantly changing. But the most impressive ones were the dreams of becoming a pilot and architect.

– What education did you receive?

– In 2008, I graduated from YSU Ijevan branch of “Social-Cultural Service and Tourism” Bachelor’s degree. In 2010, I studied at YSU, obtained Master’s Degree in Culturology.

– What role did YSUIB education have in your life?

– The education acquired at YSUIB has played a vital role in my life and career. The attitudes and love of the professorial staff (mostly P. Asilbekyan), my fellow students, motivated me to work despite the shortage of work related to my profession.

– What work experience do you have?

– My work is completely connected with the “Apaga Resort”. Since 2009, I worked as a horse riding assistant in “Apaga Resort”, since 2012, an administrator, since 2015, I work as a manager.

– What is your favorite book?

– Among Armenian literature, “Gevorg Marzpetuni” by Muratsan, “Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho among foreign literature.

– What is the last book you read?

– I am a book lover and I regret that I do not manage to read much. I recently read Dale Carnegie’s book “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.

– What music do you prefer and what is your favorite song?

– I have a different approach to music. I do not like rabiz music, but in general, depending on mood, I listen to music of different styles, but I prefer the music that boosts your mood.

– What is your favorite movie?

I love “Slumdog Millionaire”, “We are Our Mountains”, S. Parajanov’s “The Color of Pomegranate”, which I can watch several times.

– Do you have a favorite sport?

– Football is my favorite sport. whether to play football or watch is a hobby for me.

– What is your favorite place in Armenia and abroad?

– My favorite place in Armenia is Makaravank, the place I will never miss the chance to visit. I have not been abroad a lot. I liked Sochi “Krasnaya Polyana” resort.

– What qualities do you value in people?

– Honesty, sincerity, loyalty and, of course, intellect.

– Do you have a favourite quote or slogan you are guiding?

– I do not have a favourite quote or a slogan.

– What will you never do?

– I will not betray, I will not act dishonestly.

“What are you afraid of?”

– I’m afraid of losing loved ones.

“Why are you sorry?”

– If there was such a thing for which I regretted, I would say: Probably everything in my life has been as it should have been, though every day you can be sorry for the things done or undone.

– What helps you make up your mind in difficult situations?

– Following my inner voice, faith in intuition helps me to make decisions in different situations.

– What do you think is the biggest achievement of your life?

– I think my biggest achievement is still ahead. until now all my achievements are related to my workplace and friends …

– What is your formula for success?

– Faith, willpower, being ambitious, concetration.

– What is the most valuable advice you have received?

– I got the most important advice from my grandfathers. Those tips have had a great impact on me and have helped me a lot in life, but now I do not distinguish between them.

– What is the main message that you would give to young people (in particular, YSUIB students)?

– I would advise our young people not to choose their profession automatically,  take into consideration the love towards the profession and why not the future work. I wish them good will and purposefulness to work in their profession.

– Thank you very much for the interview.

Interviewed by YSUIB Public Relations and Media responsible Hasmik Vanyan.

On January 28^th, 2019, on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Armed Forces, representatives of the administrative and professorial staff of Ijevan Branch of “ Yerevan State University” Foundation, visited the Liberty Square in Ijevan to pay tribute to the memory of Armenians who gave their lives for the independence of the Homeland and laid flowers at the monument for the courageous Yerkrapahs.

Representatives of Ijevan civil and Spiritual Authorities, representatives of various social organizations, soldiers of Ijevan military unit, schoolchildren and citizens came to pay tribute.

At the Liberty Square of Ijevan, the military band performed the Armenian national anthem, and a festive event, dedicated to the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Armed Forces, took place in Ijevan House of Culture.

January 28 is the day of the establishment of Armenian Armed Forces.

The day of the Armenian Army coincides with 1992-1994, when the newly independent Republic of Armenia, along with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, being in undeclared but de facto war with Azerbaijan, at the same time embarked on the creation of a national army. Declaration of Independence of 1990, however, played a decisive role in the creation of the Armenian Army which declared Armenia’s independence and opened new legal and practical perspectives for the creation of national army.

In September of 1990, the special regiment of Yerevan was formed, while five companies were established in Ararat, Goris, Vardenis, Ijevan and Meghri. In 1991, the Government approved the formation of the State Committee of Defense.

Army Day has been an official holiday in Armenia since 2001, based on the law “On Holidays and Memorable Days of the Republic of Armenia”.

Over the past 27 years, our army has gone through a path of various victories.

Owing to the efforts of the Armenian soldiers and commanders, the peace of the people of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh is guaranteed,as well as our independence, territorial integrity and security.

In addition to the sacred duty of the homeland defense, today the Armenian Army successfully implements international peacekeeping mission in many countries …

Glory and honor to you, brave soldiers of the Armenian Army that guard our borders with dignity and responsibility, defend the honest villager of the native land from the fierce bullet of the enemy, preserve the child’s fair sleep and the calmness of the grandfather – the peace of the country.

We are exceedingly grateful to you and once again congratulations on your  holiday, our beloved soldiers, wishing you all peaceful service and may you return home safely…

 On January 25^th,2019, at Ijevan Secondary Music School hall,  a public discussion entitled “The issue of Garbage disposal and Ijevan sanitation system” was held, attended by Deputy governor of Tavush region Tigran Tamrazyan, Samvel Rubenyan, Ijevan Mayor Vardan Ghalumyan, specialists in the field, utility service specialists, NGO representatives , media representatives, and citizens.

 Vardan Sargsyan, Head of Economic Department of Ijevan Branch of Yerevan State University, took part in the public discussion.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss garbage collection and sanitation issues in the community, improve service quality.

The main item of the discussion was the pollution of Aghstev, namely citizens’ concerns connected with throwing garbage into the Aghstev River.

The participants discussed various suggestions to reduce such cases.

Mr. Sargsyan, Head of the Economic Department of YSUIB, presented the issues related to the Branch, related to the communal problems of YSUIB Usanoghakan N3 street (sewage disposal, elimination of waterfall, etc.).

The Mayor of Ijevan answered to the participants’ questions. Vardan Ghalumyan mentioned that during these years, the number of law breaking businessmen  has significantly reduced due to the regular discussions.

According to Ijevan Mayor, the “Spitak lake” reservoir valves are regularly opened to clean the riverbed. Trees along the river are cut down, but for security reasons, some of them are preserved because of surrounding buildings. Another problem preventing the proper implementation of garbage disposal is that owners disagree with the placement of garbage cans in privatized  territories. The Mayor highlighted the solution of these problems by raising legal awareness of the people instead of imposing fines.

At the end of the public discussion on “The issue of Garbage disposal and sanitation in Ijevan” an agreement was reached to:

• make a statement by Ijevan Municipality to inform the citizens that from now on, all those who will throw gabage particularly in the Aghstev River, according to the law, will be subject to administrative liability.

• fine those businessmen, who throw garbage under their stores, namely, across the river.

• Publish records; both the previous and that made after this discussion.

• A month later, on February 25, organize another meeting to discuss the implementation of the above-mentioned points.

 On January 21, 2019, we had an interview with YSU Ijevan Branch graduate, vice-dean of YSUIB Faculty of Humanities, Associate Professor of the Department of Armenian Language and Literature, Ph.D. Vahan A. Aghababyan

– We would like to know your birth date and place.

– I was born on December 8, 1982 in one of the wonderful corners of Tavush in the village of Koghb.

– Tell us a little bit about your family (parents, wife, children).

– I am a son of a traditionist and worthy Armenian farmer. My parents are mainly engaged in agriculture. I got married in 2009. My wife, Hasmik, is from Javakhk, with roots of Vahan Teryan’s family. Together we have studied at YSUIB Faculty of Armenian Philology. My son Narek was born in 2010.

– What was your childhood dream?

– I had many dreams. Sometimes I wanted to become a military officer, sometimes a doctor. Later, I learned these two specialties, but I realized that my profession was the world of books.

– What education did you receive?

– After graduating from school, I could not choose for a long time what profession to study. In 2003, I found my “great” love after trying to study in different educational institutions. Bachelor of “Armenian Language and Literature”, Faculty of Humanities, YSU Ijevan Branch, in 2009 received Master’s degree in the same specialty. 2010-13 I studied at the post-graduate course of the Institute of Literature after Manuk Abeghyan of NAS RA. In 2013, I defended a thesis on “Sero Khanzadyan’s stories and novelists”, receiving a degree of candidate of philological sciences. In 2017, I received the academic title of Associate Professor by RA Qualification Commission.

What role did YSUIB education have in your life?

– Almost half of my youth ife is connected with the Branch. There I spend more time than at home. I had wonderful lecturers with whom I have the honor to work today. I remember every lesson trying to “steal” the most successful methods. In the years to come, I’ve never found it difficult to study in other universities, because I recieved excellent Bachelor’s education at YSUIB.

– What work experience do you have?

– I have worked in different departments. I was a senior specialist of YSUIB Education Quality Assurance and Evaluation Department, Head of Alumni and Career Center, Head of Professional Orientation and Internship Department, Vice Dean. But the most important thing is the lecturer work. Today’s young people are very intelligent, very advanced, and for me every class is pleasant and responsible. I mainly teach Modern Armenian Literature and History of Armenian Literature.

– What is your favorite book?

“The book is an indispensable component of my life. I have many favourite books, or rather, many favourite authors. I love H. Tumanyan, V. Teryan, E. Charents, Hr. Matevosyan. In general, I read all the books with pleasure. Each one is a new world, a new life and a philosophy.

– What is the last book you read?

– M. Saakashvili’s “Awakening of Forces” book.

– What music do you prefer and what is your favorite song?

– Depending on mood, I listen to music of different styles. I love national, folk songs. The most beloved song is the song “Now is my Peaceful Evening” based on V. Teryan’s words.

– What is your favorite movie?

– “We are our mountains”

– Do you have a favorite sport?

– I have been a successful football player for many years. Now I play not very often, but already in the team of veterans.

– What is your favorite place in Armenia and abroad?

-My birthplace: Everything is so beautiful there that you sometimes marvel at God’s creation. Above all, I like to rest in Gandza, on the shores of Parvana. There is probably no other place in the world where the earth and sky are so close, it seems like you are in heaven.

– What qualities do you value in people?

– You will be surprised, but in human being I appreciate the attribute of being a Person. I respect people who are responsible for their words and actions.

– Do you have a favourite quote?

– I am guided by a simple lifestyle. I am a man of action. I inherited diligence from my parents. I like to work … to work hard. Perhaps this is my slogan of life. And there are no slogans as such.

– What will you never do?

“I’ll never fly with a balloon”.

“What are you afraid of?”

– From height.

“Why are you sorry?”

– I regret that our time is finite and world literature is infinite.

– What helps you to make up your mind in difficult situations?

– The voice of conscience. If your inner “judge”is satisfied after making a decision, then the decision you made was right.

– What do you think is the biggest achievement of your life?

– My son’s birth.

– What is your formula for success?

– Hard-work, the ability to survive in difficult situations. Sometimes it seems that there are no variants, but as a rule, the best options are born at that time.

– What is the most expensive advice you have received?

– Each of us gets a lot of advice. It is difficult to imagine what the adviser would say if he had appeared in the same situation in which you were.

– What is the main message that you would give to young people (in particular, YSUIB students)?

– I would advise our students to use every moment. Continuously learn. Today the world is developing rapidly. Only the diploma is not a sufficient condition to have a successful life. You should try to develop practical skills and meet the requirements of the labor market.

– Thank you very much for an interesting interview.

Interviewed by YSUIB  Public Relations and Media responsible Hasmik Vanyan.

 On January 17^th,2019, YSU Ijevan branch hosted a class-discussion entitled “Combining theory and practice in the Educational Process”, organized by Transferring advanced teaching experience and Young Lecturers Support Center,  conducted by YSUIB lecturer of the Department of Armenian Language and Literature, associate professor, PhD, Aida Sarhatyan.

The discussion was attended by both young and experienced lecturers.

Mrs. A. Sarhatyan first presented to the participants the purpose of the discussion: to analyze, compare and evaluate theoretical and practical lessons with their advantages and disadvantages and clarify the scope of issues to be discussed.

Particularly, it was mentioned that almost all subject courses have theoretical lectures, and practical hours. The lecture is followed by practice hours that have the primary goal of bringing the students from the passive, often indifferent attitudes to motivating, speaking, activating, and engaging in the classroom. Theoretical and practical classes are mutually interwoven: the theory becomes practically understandable, meaningful and reinforced in the memory of the student.

“There are no Chinese walls between the theory and the practice” and there should not be”- said Aida Sarhatyan. – Their elements can be used together, by applying practical means at the lecture hour, by applying practical clasess for explaining theory issue that is not understood and and vice versa.

It was pointed out that at the time of practice:

• the perception of the topic becomes more interesting

• increases the student’s attention and engagement in the classroom

• develops the student’s own and creative abilities, his horizons, world outlook, connection with arts and literature, culture of speech, logic

• student-student and student-lecturer interpersonal relations are highlighted

• interdisciplinary and interconnected links are activated

• students use modern information and technology tools

• Discussions, free and unconditional debates without anxiety to be assessed or to be reprimanded

• Thematic material is enriched by new information from students’ research studies

• The acquired knowledge is not quickly forgotten, possibilities for memorization and plagiarism are excluded.

During the discussion, A. Sarhatyan and the participants of the discussion presented examples of a number of lessons, highlighted theory and practice comparison, as well as its wide and multifunctional capabilities.