On May 7th, 2019, we had an interview with YSU Ijevan Branch graduate of 2008 academic year, Narek Varshamyan, Head of “Tavush Youth Center” NGO, pedagogue at Ijevan Branch of “SOS-Children’s Villages”.
– Please tell us your birth date and place.
– I was born on July 31, in 1987, in Ijevan.
– Tell us a little bit about your family.
– My father is from Ijevan, my mother is from the Drmbon village of Artsakh. My father is a historian, my mother was an economist. I am married, I have 2 daughters. My wife is from Ijevan, a graduate of YSUIB,she is a designer.
– What was your childhood dream?
– Since childhood I dreamed of becoming a businessman, but so far I have a different path in my life.
– What education did you receive?
– I studied at YSU Ijevan Branch, Bachelor of Mathematics, Informatics and Pedagogy. I graduated State Public Administration Academy of the Republic of Armenia, Master’s Degree.
– What role did YSUIB education have in your life?
– First and foremost, YSUIB gave me knowledge, a desire to learn more. I have gained a number of new features, 2 worth mentioning:
- be professional, be able to differentiate the personal and professional life
- When solving the problem, think not only about the solution, but also the beauty of that solution.
– What work experience do you have?
– Since 2013, I work as Head of “Tavush Youth Center” NGO.
Since 2010, I work as a pedagogue at Ijevan Branch of “SOS-Children’s Villages”.
In 2008-2009 I worked in the British Red Cross as an assistant to the head of the youth department.
– What is your favorite book?
– “ Gevorg Marzpetuni”. In general, I love reading historical books I think that the system of values of a modern Armenian should be shaped like that
–What is the last book you read?
– Anthony Bruno – “Seven” detective book. It’s a hard reading, but this book is of great interest to me first of all in terms of English grammar.
– What music do you prefer and what is your favorite song?
– I like classical music as well as foreign pop and jazz. Music has a decisive significance for me. It’s a source of motivation for me. When making tough decisions, I can listen to Vivaldi “Four seasons”. I am fond of the song “Vincent” (Don Mclean).
– What is your favorite movie?
– It’s definitely “Matrix”.
– Do you have a favorite sport?
– I love football (for many years I am Manchester United fan), table tennis and big tennis that I have played for the first time and discovered 10 years ago. The big tennis attracts me at once.
– What is your favorite place in Armenia and abroad?
– I love the Kirants Monastery in Armenia and its surroundings. Ireland and Scotland are the favorite places in abroad. If I answer in more detail, I like to walk along the seaside of the Irish Sea of Bangor, Northern Ireland. I also like Edinburgh, where you seem to be walking in the Middle Ages.
– What qualities do you appreciate in people?
– I appreciate honesty, sincerity and sense of justice in people.
– Do you have favorite quote or slogan?
– My most favorite quote is Eleanor Roosevelt’s words: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– What will you never do?
– I will never betray.
-“What are you afraid of?”
– I think the only thing one should be afraid and overcome is the fear itself.
-“Why are you sorry?”
– I regret that I did not take risks more often in life.
– What helps you make decisions in difficult situations?
– Conscience, principles and ability to analyze the situation.
– What do you think is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
– My greatest accomplishment is my family. Especially in the most difficult situations, my family always supports me, even when I have small chance of success.
– What is your formula for success?
– Do your best and you will succeed.
– What is the most invaluable advice you have received?
– In order to succeed, you must just start doing things.
– What is the main message that you would give to young people (in particular, YSUIB students)?
– Overcome the fear of making mistakes, beloved students, “It’s only those who do nothing that make no mistake”. Do it, try and you will undoubtedly
– Thank you so much for such an interesting interview.
Interviewed by YSUIB Public Relations and Media Responsible Hasmik Vanyan.
