I was born in Yerevan in 1986, and went to first grade at School # 114. Afterwards we moved to the US. Though immigration to the United States was not by choice, I feel that the move has ultimately been justified, for now I find myself at the start of my journey as a graduate student at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. I feel that studying urban planning in New York is like studying classical music in Vienna or history of art in Florence.

My interest in urban planning intensified after a year of study in Barcelona as an undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The incredibly dynamic urban lifestyle and the fluid planning of the city made such an impact on me that I decided to study it further. Even though my Bachelor’s degree is in political science, I find that there is enough relevance between the fields for me to be able to synthesize the two disciplines in my professional life. Being an avid traveler, knowing four languages fluently, and being comfortable with relocation and cultural differences, I plan to do my urban planning concentration in the field of international development.

Soon after graduation I hope to work in Armenia as a highly skilled professional and contribute in a constructive way to the urban development, the improvement of infrastructure, and help to achieve progress in cultural and economic advancement of my homeland.

Armenia is currently in a position where real experts and people with knowledge in various disciplines are crucial for the welfare of the country and its role on the world stage.