For Liana Harutyunyan, nursing isn’t just a career—it’s a profound calling. At only 22, Liana now works as a nurse-anesthetist at the Oncology Center, offering life-saving care to patients undergoing complex surgeries. Her career and academic ambitions, shaped by determination and resilience, were made possible through the Annette Choolfaian Scholarship.
Growing up in a family facing significant financial struggles, Liana’s dream of becoming a nurse once felt unattainable. “The support I received from FAR was life-changing,” she reflects. “Without the scholarship, I would have had no choice but to take on a student loan and juggle repayment while building my career. My parents were unemployed at the time, so this scholarship wasn’t just an opportunity—it was my only hope. Thanks to FAR, I could focus entirely on my studies and my dream.”
The Annette Choolfaian Scholarship covered Liana’s annual tuition at Yerevan State Basic Medical College, significantly reducing the financial burden of her three-year program. This support freed Liana to excel academically, equipping her with the expertise required for her demanding role.
Today, Liana is an integral part of the oncology center team, assisting 7–9 patients daily, many of whom face intensive surgical procedures. “The work is challenging and exhausting, but it’s deeply rewarding. Every day, I’m reminded of why I chose this path. Looking back, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come—I’m living the dream I’ve cherished since I was a child,” she shares, her pride unmistakable.
The Annette Choolfaian Scholarship program was established in 2020 by Mr. and Mrs. Dikran Barsamian and Lynn Dadourian Barsamian to honor FAR’s late board member and dear friend, Annette Choolfaian, a trailblazer in public health. It was designed to support aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals from low-income families.
To ensure more students pave their paths in healthcare system, please consider donating to FAR today.
Comments