On February 26, 2019, we had an interview with YSU Ijevan Branch Graduate of 2002 academic year, Head of Department of Professional Orientation and Practice, Assistant Professor of Tourism Management and Cultural Studies Department, Ph.D. Lianna G. Beginyan.
– Please tell us your birth date and place
– I was born on November 6, 1980, in Ijevan.
– Tell us a little bit about your family (parents, husband, children).
– Our family was an ordinary Armenian family like the families of the neighborhood. My parents were never interested in science. I was younger when my father moved and settled in the Russian Federation, and my mother passed through a lot of obstacles until i and my sister were married. I married in 2005, I have a daughter and a son, my daughter is twelve years old, my son is eight. My husband has been working for a long time in “Veon Armenia” CJSC, now he is engaged in private business.
– What was your childhood dream?
– I remember when I was younger when I asked what I wanted to become, I answered, actor, growing up I understood that I was far from being an actor.
– What education did you receive?
– 1998-2002, I studied at YSU Ijevan Branch, getting a bachelor’s degree in history and pedagogy. 2002-2004 I studied at YSU and got a Master’s Degree in History. 2005-2014 I was an applicant of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia. In 2014, I defended thesis on “Memorial ceremonies and traditions in Tavush: Traditions and novelties “, received a scientific degree of Candidate of Historical Sciences.
– What role did the education recieved at YSUIB have in your life?
– I agree with Hasmik, when in the previous interview she said that the existence of YSU Ijevan Branch was a real source of salvation for those young people who did not have the opportunity to study in Yerevan, but had a great desire to study. In my case it was so (in the 1990s, few could study in Yerevan), the Branch played an important role for my future work. During my years at YSUIB, I realized that I would like to specialize in ethnography among many subjects. From the early age I was interested in the ceremonies that took place around me, and often I climbed the roof of our house during the summer nights and looked at the enlightened city, trying to understand how people think. Of course, I am grateful to all my teachers for their attitude and knowledge. I always say that I could not work with science if I did not see love and confidence in their eyes. It is a great responsibility to work with them.
-What work experience do you have?
– From the years of my studies, I started to carry out pedagogical activity. 2001-2002 Since 2005 I have been working as a specialist at Tavush Branch of National Institute of Education. Since 2005, I am a lecturer at the Department of Tourism Management and Culturology of YSU Ijevan Branch, Assistant Professor, Since September 2018, I am the head of the Department of Professional Orientation and Practice of YSUIB.
– What is your favorite book?
– I love the books that refer to the nations of the world, and I love fairy tales (Hovhannes Tumanyan, Grim Brothers, Charles Pero, Andersen and others).
– What is the last book you read?
– I always read specialized literature, but unfortunately i do not manage to read fiction, the last book that I read is “Genius” by American writer Theodore Dreiser.
– What music do you prefer and what is your favorite song?
– I prefer classical music, I find it difficult to name one favorite song because I have lots of favorite songs. They are Italian, French, Russian and Armenian songs that I hear based on mood and situation, but I can always hear Komitas’s “Hol ara ezo” performance.
– What is your favorite movie?
– I like all the Armenian movies with such actors as Mher Mkrtchyan, Hrachya Nersisyan and Sos Sargsyan, foreign films that are instructive (for example, “Divine Light”), in recent years I prefer to watch comedies.
– Do you have a favorite sport?
– Figure skating always attracts me, I think it’s a very difficult sport.
– What is your favorite place in Armenia and abroad?
– From my student years, I have a special attitude towards Yerevan, I feel relaxed when walking through its illuminated streets, I love Garni. It is another value for Armenians. Outside Armenia, I would like to see Mount Nemrut, to be in Greece and Italy.
– What qualities do you value in people?
– Morality, virtue, optimism and aspiration to life.
– Do you have favourite quote or slogan?
– Sometimes I am guided by popular words, they are the result of a rich experience. For example, one of them I follow is telling us: “Ոտքդ վերմակովդ մեկնիր,” that means learn to evaluate the possibilities you have.
–What will you never do?
– Though there are things I am against but I never say never, I just pray that God protects me and my family
“What are you afraid of?”
– I like to say, “Those who have fear are always afraid of something” and a person has some fears connected with a parent, a loved one, a child, or another person who is beloved. With fears, I try to embrace what life gives me.
“Why are you sorry?”
– I’m sorry for my school years that went through dark and cold conditions. Even so, I regret that when people whom we love, cherish change their place of residence because of bad conditions.
– What helps you make decisions in difficult situations?
– Past difficulties and faith in the future.
– What do you think is the biggest achievement of your life?
– Maternity is the greatest achievement of a woman.
– What is your formula for success?
– I think hard work and sense of responsibility.
– What is the most invaluable advice you have received?
– I have heard many advices, but I especially appreciate the advice of my lecturer Simon Hmayakyan. At one point he told me: “Liana, change your environment if you do not feel good.” From that day I follow his advice, and sometimes I just delude people from my memory. By the way, a few days ago it was his birthday, and taking advantage of the occasion I would like to congratulate him on his birthday and express my respect.
– What is the main message that you would give to young people (in particular, YSUIB students)?
– I would advise our students to use their student years correctly, always improve self-development and highlight national and family values.
– Thank you for your sincere interview.
Interviewed by YSUIB Public Relations and Press responsible Hasmik Vanyan.
