From Ayb to Oxford: from mistakes to success

“Ayb is not just an educational institution. Ayb is an idea, a community, a path that opens new horizons.” This is how 2018 school graduate Tatevik Jalatyan describes her school years. Ayb was not just a school for her but an environment where she developed her worldview and interest in science and where her journey to Oxford University began.

Recently Tatevik, a bioinformatics scientist, received her Masters from Oxford University and returned to Armenia. We talked to her about how Ayb Scholarship Program helped her achieve her goals and how school has remained an integral part of her life even years later.

The path to Ayb

Tatevik's path to Ayb seemed predetermined: all three sisters in the family studied here. “When my older sister started attending school, the school became part of our family. We often attended school events and talked a lot about the school. When it came time to choose a school for me and then for my younger sister, no further discussion was needed. We already knew where we would study,” she recalled.

A new start

Tatevik’s first memories of school were bright and exciting. The first thing that comes to her mind is the admissions interview and that weird mixed feeling when excitement mixes with tension.

“It was a great experience, a new level of responsibility, but at the same time a very special and memorable moment. The interview with the trustees was a real challenge, but once I got through it, I felt like I had taken a big step towards my future,” she says.

But the most exciting, perhaps, was the first day, September 1, and then the inauguration ceremony. “Those two days were very significant. You are entering a world that opens up new opportunities for you, where you are no longer just a student, but a full-fledged member of society. It's an indescribable feeling when you realize that you've finally become a part of all of this.”

“Education should be available to everyone”

Tatevik reveals that the most vivid memories of her youth are associated with Ayb. Those years were of great importance to her not only in terms of education but also in terms of value formation.

“All three of us studied on scholarship. School was not just a place for me to get an education; it shaped me as an individual, as a future professional, as a community member. And that journey was possible only thanks to scholarship.”

The importance of scholarship

Tatevik believes that the financial support program is more than just material support. This is a means for every student to get the opportunity of receiving a quality education, regardless of financial capabilities or place of residence.

The graduate recalls her journey, noting that the existence of a scholarship system is a true manifestation of equality when every student can develop, learn and create their own future without restrictions.

“When I was just admitted, I already realized the importance of this support, and I still think the same way today. If I hadn't had that chance, I'm not sure my life would have gone in the same direction. If I hadn't studied here, I might not be where I am now, or it would have been harder to achieve what I have achieved. What matters is that everyone has the same opportunity to start from scratch. And this equality makes the true value of education available to everyone,” she says.

It all stared at Ayb

Bioinformatician Tatevik notes that her professional path began at Ayb from the moment she fell in love with biology, chemistry, and mathematics.

“At school, we not only learned these subjects but also deeply studied them, consolidating the knowledge with real experiments and laboratory work. I remember how we extracted DNA from strawberries in the biology lab. That moment was a turning point for me. It sparked me and that extreme level of curiosity led me into bioinformatics in the following years,” Tatevik recalls.

Tatevik’s interest grew even more as she began to understand how mathematical methods could be applied to the analysis of biological data.

“What forms the basis of my profession today—the study of biological data, DNA research, the application of informatics to life sciences—it all began at Ayb. If these interests had not arisen here, perhaps my path would have been completely different.”

She then continued her studies at the American University of Armenia, majoring in data science and bioinformatics, and then went to Oxford University to do a Masters in genomic medicine.

“My main interests were formed at Ayb—here I realized in what direction I want to develop in the future. And now, looking back, I understand that my professional path began right here, in a small laboratory, where I first isolated DNA,” she says.

From research to visions of the future

After graduating from Oxford University, Tatevik returned to Armenia and now she is on the threshold of new opportunities and decisions.

“I came back a few weeks ago and want to continue my journey in science and research.”

“Even if I ever leave again to continue my studies, in the long term I can only see myself in Armenia—living, working and contributing here.”

Tatevik believes that she can best apply her knowledge in Armenia, developing science and promoting new areas of research.

Gitalab–science, alive and tangible

The Gitalab club played an important role for Tatevik in her school years. It is one of the school project-based learning clubs that presents science not just as a textbook topic but as a living and tangible experience.

“At Gitalab we carried out various physical and chemical experiments, studied the applied branch of science, and organized events. But one of the most memorable moments was the day we had a special event at the Loft Club,” she tells.

Friends for life

Ayb is more than just an educational institution: this is where Tatevik found some of her closest friends. “Friends I made here are still the closest people to me. We grew up together, overcame challenges together, and our bond only grew stronger over the years.”

Interestingly, the same is true for her sisters. “There seems to be an unspoken law in our family: the closest people in our lives are from Ayb. My sisters also found their closest friends here. There is a unique community here where you not only study but also find people who become an integral part of your life.”

“Ayb has always been a bright spot in my life”

For her, being part of the Ayb community is not just about the school years. Even seven years after graduation, school memories warm Tatevik’s heart. “School has always been a bright spot in my life. Alumni meetings, events, whatever it is, if it's related to Ayb I try to participate. It’s not only about memories; it’s also an opportunity to keep the community spirit alive. Even now, whenever I’m in the country, I participate in various school initiatives. I often meet both former and current students there. I especially like the Identity and Values program which is hosted by Fr. Mesrop, who talks with experts in various fields.”

Don’t ever stop

Tatevik admits that her attitude towards mistakes has changed at school. “I was taught at Ayb that mistakes are part of our journey. Every mistake is a new experience, a new lesson and not a reason to despair but an opportunity to take a step forward. What is most important is that you must not ever stop but keep moving forward.