We recently connected with Nare Avagyan and have shared our conversation below.
Nare, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.
In today’s rapidly changing world, preparing students for a fulfilling life and career requires an educational approach that extends beyond traditional methods. First and foremost, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking is essential. This involves creating opportunities for students to experiment, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and develop resilience. These skills are crucial for navigating the complexities of modern life and work. Secondly, integrating real-world applications into the curriculum is pivotal. This approach ensures that students can directly apply their learning to practical scenarios, thereby enhancing their readiness for future challenges.
AGBU Innovation Studios exemplifies this progressive educational model. As the head of this program, I’ve seen firsthand how our project-based extracurricular program, an endeavor of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, profoundly impacts students’ educational experiences. The program incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) with an emphasis on design thinking. This diverse curriculum includes areas like robotics, architecture, game design, AI, music and more, aligning with current and future industry needs.
One of the key elements of AGBU Innovation Studios is its focus on experiential learning. This approach empowers students to engage actively with real-world problems, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. Through various projects that require creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration, students develop a comprehensive portfolio that illustrates their learning journey and achievements, moving away from the constraints of traditional grading.
Additionally, the inclusion of cultural elements in our curriculum is a crucial aspect. We aim to be inclusive, allowing students to explore and connect with their own cultural identities while appreciating the diversity of others. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and respect for one’s culture as well as that of different cultures, which is invaluable in today’s globally interconnected society.
The educational pathway at AGBU Innovation Studios is designed to develop students’ abilities progressively. Starting with initial exploration, it leads to focused specialization, equipping them with the necessary skills to tackle real-world challenges in their professional lives. This comprehensive strategy is underpinned by innovative thinking and adaptability, essential traits for thriving in the 21st century.
AGBU Innovation Studios actively seeks partnerships with various educational institutions. These collaborations aim to enrich the learning experience with diverse perspectives, further preparing students for global engagement.
In summary, the approach at AGBU Innovation Studios, with its focus on STEAM, design thinking, cultural inclusivity, and a broad range of subject areas, is ideally suited for preparing students for the modern world’s challenges and opportunities. By fostering an environment that values creativity, resilience, and cultural identity, and through seeking global partnerships, AGBU Innovation Studios is paving the way for students to lead successful, fulfilling lives in a rapidly evolving world.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am Nare Avagyan, and my life’s path has been one of continuous exploration, self-discovery, and following my dreams. My story began in the vibrant and historical Armenia, and at the age of 10, I embarked on a new journey, moving to the United States. This transition introduced me to a new culture and lifestyle, presenting both enchanting opportunities and temporary challenges. Through it all, the importance of education stood as a guiding beacon in my life.
Driven by a passion for learning and community involvement, I participated in various extracurricular activities and volunteering through my school. These experiences not only enriched my life but also paved the way for my academic success, leading to graduating from high school with honors and continuing my education at the University of California, San Diego. My college years were marked by active engagement in student led organizations as well as internships and research work in hospitals.
I studied Biology, working towards a career in medicine, as I was captivated by the field’s potential to make a difference. Post-graduation, my path took a turn as I took a year off to prepare for medical school, meanwhile working with children with special needs, leveraging my second degree in Psychology. This role revealed my innate patience and passion for nurturing young minds. This experience inspired me to take an additional year off and move back to my homeland, to volunteer by working with kids with special needs. This is when I took the most defining decision of my life and returned to Armenia, a leap of faith that truly shaped my future. Needless to say, the rest was history.
During my eight-year journey in Armenia, I experienced the country’s rich culture and history, that further deepened my understanding of heritage and connection to my homeland.
The turning point in Armenia was my involvement with the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, a cutting-edge educational initiative that has changed the lives of thousands of students in Armenia and abroad. Over seven years, I worked to unlock the creative potential in teenagers, a role that significantly shifted my career focus from medicine to education management and technology.
In this era where technology and science are revolutionizing education, I found my true calling. My experiences in Armenia, living and working amidst transformative educational landscapes, reshaped my destiny.
Upon returning to the United States, my journey in the non-profit sector continued with the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). Here, I led the launch of AGBU Innovation Studios, a groundbreaking program that blends education with innovative technology, aiming to inspire the next generation of leaders and thinkers.
My vision with AGBU Innovation Studios is to empower young minds to recognize the power of education, pursue their dreams, and embrace risk-taking as a pathway to discovering their true potential. I am committed to forging partnerships that align with this vision, enhancing the program’s reach and impact.
Outside of my professional commitments, my life is enriched by my love for travel, exploring nature, visiting museums, and enjoying music from blues to classical concerts. I find inspiration in meeting extraordinary, risk-taking individuals and believe everyone has something valuable to teach us. My passions also extend to science, space, sports and more.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to chase their dreams, take bold steps, become their best selves, and find their unique purpose in life. Remember, life is a canvas awaiting your distinctive touch.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Two chapters from my journey come to mind that highlight the essence of resilience:
First, embarking on a solo journey to Armenia:
Leaving the comforts of my life in the United States, rich with family and abundant opportunities, was a bold move, not understood by many. I ventured alone to my homeland, Armenia, to find a deeper understanding of myself and to connect with my roots. It was a journey marked by numerous challenges, and although I was in my homeland, I was far from the familiarities of my life. I missed holidays, family gatherings, and the warmth of loved ones. In the face of this homesickness and solitude, I could have easily faltered, but I clung to my purpose. I reminded myself daily of why I had embarked on this path—to find my true self, to work with children, to gain valuable experience, and, most importantly, to embrace challenge as a stepping stone to greater heights.
Every new opportunity that I encountered in Armenia, whether challenging or not, shaped me, and served as a catalyst for growth. Relocating from the capital city, Yerevan, after living there for nearly four years, to Gyumri, the cultural capital, two hours north of Yerevan, with its distinctive lifestyle, was a thrilling yet daunting endeavor. But I was excited to be trusted with leading the launch of the second Tumo Center, the largest outside of the Headquarters in Yerevan. Once again, I was led by the guiding principle in my life: the ability to appreciate the beauty that resides in seemingly difficult yet fulfilling experiences.
My twenties spent in a country with fewer opportunities than I had known in the U.S. paradoxically opened more doors, both in my personal life and career. It was a transformative journey that demonstrated the profound potential for resilience to shape and enrich one’s life in unexpected ways.
Conquering Mount Ararat:
Another pivotal chapter in my journey involved a daring decision—to climb both peaks of Mount Ararat. Although I had always been physically active, the notion of mountain climbing was an uncharted territory. The decision to embark on this adventure introduced me to a completely new facet of myself. Hiking and exploring the mountains became not just a hobby but a source of self-discovery. In the vast expanse of the mountains, I discovered a different dimension of my being.
Climbing those formidable peaks wasn’t just about the physical challenge, but it was also a profound test of mental resilience. The ascent was marked by unforgiving terrain, unpredictable weather, and moments of self-doubt. However, it was precisely these challenges that compelled me to dig deeper within, to confront fear, and to find courage. The mountain experience taught me the significance of pushing one’s boundaries and determination that lies within us.
It was through this journey that I realized the importance of embracing new challenges and learning to seek growth even in the most challenging of environments. The mountains unveiled a different facet of resilience and a profound sense of harmony with the natural world.
My experiences proved to me that embracing challenges and discovering new facets of oneself can lead to extraordinary personal and professional growth. Life’s most transformative experiences often emerge from the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone and confront the unknown. My next goal is to reach the base camp of Mount Everest.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One invaluable lesson I had to unlearn along my journey was the idea of knowing precisely where you’re headed, of having your life planned with well-defined goals. While it’s undeniably important to set both short and long-term goals, my personal journey has revealed that life often has a way of reshaping our paths in ways we could never predict.
For as long as I can remember, I aspired to be a doctor. My unwavering determination led me to pour my heart and soul into pursuing this dream throughout my life, including my college years. Every step I took was in pursuit of this singular goal, and I was convinced that nothing could ever deter me from the path of medicine.
But then, there came a monumental decision that transformed the course of my life when I moved back to my homeland. This journey meant more to me than I could put into words. It meant departing from my family, a one-way ticket into uncharted territory, a leap into the unknown.
Little did I know that this decision, which seemed to diverge so dramatically from my well-laid plans, would become the catalyst for my personal and professional evolution. My life took an unforeseen turn, pushing me beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone. In doing so, it changed my life for the better.
In my eight-year journey in Armenia, I encountered inspiring individuals who left an indelible mark on my heart. I gathered experiences that were nothing short of transformative, and I explored and connected with my homeland and my heritage in ways that would have been inconceivable if I had stayed on the path I had drawn for myself.
Perhaps most significantly, this journey led me to discover my true calling in life—the world of education and technology. It was an unexpected revelation, but it resonated deep within me, guiding me toward my current endeavors.
The profound lesson I’ve gleaned from this part of my journey is the power of taking risks, of following your intuition, your passions, and your interests. It’s about seizing every opportunity that life presents, no matter how unconventional or untested it may seem. It’s the unwavering commitment to striving to become the best version of yourself, constantly pushing your boundaries.
But here’s the crux of it all: while you draw inspiration from others and their journeys, never compare yourself to them. We each possess a unique spark, a flame that burns uniquely within us. Embrace your individuality, see the beauty in every opportunity, and never be afraid to pursue the uncharted paths that beckon, for it is on these unexpected journeys that we often discover our most profound truths and unveil our true potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agbuinnovationstudios.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agbuwr/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nare-avagyan-532092197/