My future, my choice 

Interview with  Sirekan Abrahamyan, a promising fourth-year law student at the French University in Armenia.

My hometown is a small border village called Khachik in the Vayots Dzor region. After spending my whole childhood there and attending the local school until 11th grade, I moved to Yerevan in order to finish my studies and simultaneously prepare for entrance exams to the French University in Armenia. 

Since early childhood, I have dreamed of becoming a lawyer, so choosing a major was never a question. In my opinion, it is one of the most honorable professions. I believe our country, Armenia, needs true, passionate professionals who will ceaselessly uphold justice and endorse social equilibrium.

My choice of university was primarily influenced by my commitment to fairness, impartiality, and academic rigor, as well as the valuable learning opportunities provided by experienced professionals.

Being a student is binding.

Sometimes, when passing through the university corridors with students rushing somewhere or discussing something in groups, I feel detached from the rest of the world. It’s as if I have entered a distinct universe where I am surrounded only by my peers, determined young individuals who dedicate their time and resources to reaching their goals. This feeling is both incredibly inspiring and binding at the same time. My status as a student gives me a sense of fairness and obligation to stay steadfast and never abandon my responsibilities as a future voice of my country.  

I attach great importance to quality education for personal reasons and the country as a whole. On the one hand, a true professional is most valuable for the rest of society, serving the needs of different, sometimes vulnerable social groups and, in the case of a lawyer, for the country on a larger scale. On the other hand, a well-educated and informed society is almost impossible to manipulate and is primordial for sustaining a strong and thriving country.  

My biggest fallback is my next victory.

Just like every other student, I have had moments of hesitation and insecurity about my choices. Whenever facing hardships, my biggest motivation to continue is the promises I made to myself when I entered the university building. Looking back at all the challenges I have overcome and all the sacrifices I and the people dear to me have made to help me get this far, I know I will not succumb to difficulties or ever turn back. 

Besides, I am grateful for all the precious practical knowledge and advice our professors gave us during lessons. One of my most outstanding achievements is the broad network of connections I can make and the communication skills I hone daily. According to one of our professors, the volume and depth of a lawyer’s theoretical knowledge are just as valuable and essential as the ability to present them and oneself. 

I plan to get a master’s degree and combine it with a job after I complete my bachelor’s degree. With the experience of continuous internships and training I have managed during previous years, I am confidently aiming for greater ambitions. 

Happiness for me is…

I know it may sound like a lot, but three things make me happy:

To be a worthy son for my parents, whom I can never let down,

To be a good citizen for my country,

And finally, I want to be a good husband and father for my future family. 

Unfortunately, we often find ourselves surrounded by uncertainty and fearful doubts; nevertheless, I have immense faith in Armenian youth. Despite constantly hearing the contrary, I believe our generation possesses the potential to lead our country toward a better future. With the vast opportunities, access to knowledge, level of advancement, and unwavering determination, I am convinced our generation can reach unprecedented heights.

AAAS and the AF4SD  have supported the French University in Armenia since 2005 through scholarships.