15 things I love about you, Youth Corps!

By: Verginie Touloumian

1. I got to experience Armenia as an Armenian and not as a diasporan tourist.

2. I met many new people from different states of America and Canada. I got so much closer to the friends I already knew.

3. I met AYF members from different countries, who have similar program as Youth Corps.

4. I witnessed 25 individuals become one big family.

5. I got to live with Armenian families and ate traditional Armenian meals. (Dolma in Shushi, Yummy!)

6. I worked with kids who had such big ambitions and dreams for their homeland. One day, I will be their neighbor.

7. I learned Gyumri’s and Artsakh dialects.

8. I worked with kids who inspired me to study hard in US so I can quickly get a job and live in Armenia.

9. I visited Javakhk, Georgia! The only Western Armenia city that has an Armenian population.

10. I learned to hand wash clothes. (You never know, it might be handy one day.) I also learned to take cold showers.

11. I learned to share everything in the house! (This was not easy since I am an only child)

12. I got to eat ICE CREAM every single day and became a pro at eating seeds.

13. I learned responsibility, time management, and organization.

14. I realized that there is so much more to Armenia, then just Yerevan.

15. I spent a whole summer aiding/benefiting my homeland.

There is so much more about why I love the AYF Youth Corps Program, but maybe you can add them next year when you are a participant. I don’t want to miss my flight!