At just 21 years old, Emma Isakhanyan from Mkhchyan village in Armenia’s Ararat region is turning her childhood dreams into reality. Now a second-year student at the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia, Emma envisions designing green spaces and recreational areas that will breathe new life into her community. Her journey has been made possible by FAR's Jerair Nishanian Foundation Scholarship.
"Even as a child, I loved imagining how to transform spaces," Emma shares. "I’d dream about where everything in our home should go and how it might all come together one day. Now, I want to create parks and places that people will cherish and enjoy."
Pursuing her dream of becoming an architect, however, wasn’t without hurdles. As one of five siblings, Emma understood the financial strain her studies posed. The challenge doubled because her sister, Elen, is also a student at the same university. “I even started looking for a job to help pay for tuition,” Emma recalls. “I knew it was a lot for my parents to support both of us and still take care of my younger siblings.”
Everything changed when Emma received Jerair Nishanian Foundation Scholarship. "Finding out I’d been selected was one of the happiest moments of my life," she says with a smile. "The scholarship eased my family’s financial burden and allowed me to focus on my studies fully."
Beyond academics, Emma embraced the chance to give back. She volunteered at Aragats camp over the summer, an experience she calls transformative. "Volunteering taught me the true value of compassion and the strength of community,” she reflects. "It's about selflessly contributing to others and knowing you’re part of something bigger.”
Emma is now more motivated than ever to achieve her dreams. She’s excited to continue her education and looks forward to making a lasting impact on Armenia’s landscapes.
To join us in empowering the next generation to achieve their academic dreams, consider making a donation to FAR.
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