On the Road to Dreams: Stories of Three Artsakh Students at Ay

2023 was a turning point for thousands of Artsakh residents.

Forced to leave their homes, they relocated to Armenia. Hundreds of children were cut off from their homes, familiar surroundings, schools, friends, and the places tied to their childhood. We could not remain indifferent.

At a time when everything felt chaotic and uncertain, Ayb School, by decision of the Board of Trustees, opened its doors to 41 students from Artsakh, offering not only education but also a sense of values and love.

41 students from Artsakh, each with their own story, fear, and hope, became full-fledged members of the Ayb community. The school’s benefactors also contributed to this effort by committing to cover a part of the special admission costs. As a result, the students’ enrollment contracts were signed for a symbolic fee of AMD 1,000.

Today, we share the journeys of three of those students — Aram, Diana, and Arsen: from a difficult reality to a new, sometimes unfamiliar, but immediately welcoming and opportunity-filled school life. All three came to Ayb with different experiences and different dreams, but with the same purpose: to receive an education, mature, and build their own path.

Diana’s Dream to Become a Journalist

Diana Mangasaryan is a 7th-grade student at Ayb School. She arrived from Artsakh in September 2020. When the admissions process started, Diana participated with enthusiasm. “The interview phase was very interesting, very close to my expectations, and even better than I had imagined.”

Today, Diana confidently says that at Ayb she has found both a quality education and a wonderful environment. Although adapting to the new setting was not easy at first, she now feels stronger and inspired.

Favorite Subjects and Career Orientation

Diana especially enjoys her Armenian history, world history, and literature classes. It was there that she realized her interest in journalism.

“I really enjoy asking questions, talking to people, and doing research on different topics. I also love literature, especially everything related to languages.”

Diana is currently studying languages. In her opinion, to become a good journalist, one must know different languages as well as history: “A journalist must have a strong command of language. History helps to properly understand the course of the world and one’s own country.”

The Importance of Scholarship 

Diana studies on a scholarship, which she says has given her the opportunity to receive a quality education.

“Studying on a scholarship is very important to me. Here, I receive not only a good education but also a community, friends, and engaging lessons. Everything I need to achieve my dream.”

Aram, a Future Doctor

Aram Harutyunyan is a 9th-grade student at Ayb School. He joined Ayb in October 2020 and has been studying here for almost five years.

“The Closest Environment I’ve Ever Had”

According to Aram, Ayb holds a special place in his life.

“Compared to all the schools I have attended, Ayb has the friendliest and best environment. Here, you don’t feel alone. People are compassionate and supportive, and this is already a great value.”

For him, school is not just about lessons and grades; it is an environment where a person’s individuality is shaped.

Education at Ayb - Foundation of the Future

Aram considers the education he has received at Ayb to be the foundation of his future.

“Studying here is very important to me because I have big plans for the future. I want to become a doctor, and for that, I need a rigorous education. The knowledge and mindset I have acquired here will definitely help me achieve that dream.”

Scholarship: An Opportunity to Build the Future

Aram also studies on a scholarship and says he truly values the opportunity.

“If it weren't for the scholarship, I wouldn't be studying here today. Now, I can  study at a good school, be surrounded by good people, and receive a quality education. That means a lot. I am grateful for this opportunity.”

To him, a scholarship is not only support but an opportunity to build a future and pursue a dream.

Arsen: Confidence, Experience, and Love for Mathematics

Arsen Ghukasyan is a 9th-grade student at Ayb School. He also moved to Yerevan in 2023, after the war. Arsen learned about Ayb from his older sister, who also studies at the school. “My sister told me a lot not only about classes, but also about various events. That's what interested me: what school life is like, what lies beyond the textbooks. And that there is a real community here.”

Love for Physics and Mathematics

Arsen says without hesitation: “I like math and physics the most. They inspire me both in terms of logic and practical thinking.”

Beyond the subjects, he enjoys the learning process itself. “Classes here are anything but ordinary. We learn in many ways: through projects, experiments, and group discussions. Lessons are explained with examples, making them interesting and approachable.”

Scholarship: An Opportunity for Further Growth

Arsen considers the scholarship essential. “Honestly, without a scholarship, it would be difficult for me to study here. Now, it helps me learn the things I will need in the future when entering university and choosing a career.” For him, education is the ultimate goal; it is the path to a dream.

“Studying at Ayb gives me not only knowledge, but also the opportunity to shape myself. These are my first steps towards my dreams.”

To Be the Best

Although Arsen says he doesn't have a clear dream yet, he already has some ideas about his career path.

“Since I was a child, I have always wanted to be the best. I haven't decided on the exact field yet, but I am thinking of pursuing economics. I'm confident it will work out.”

Ayb Taught Me Confidence

Summarizing his story, Arsen reaches a simple conclusion: “Ayb has given me great experience and taught me to be confident. It has provided many opportunities to try myself in different fields and understand what I enjoy. Now I know there are many things I can pursue and be the best at.”