"Quite honestly, my summer in Washington has been the most exciting experience I have encountered. I will always cherish the excitement and stimulation of living in our nation's capitol, reading Sunday papers in a Georgetown café, participating in the Washington political buzz, riding the metro to work, and the camaraderie of fellow interns. The Armenian Assembly has given me a gift that I will carry throughout my life. Without your commitment to the young people of our Armenian-American community, this would not have been possible. Your mission is truly to be valued and one which should be looked upon with the greatest of respect."
Christine Heath, '04
United Press International
"The internship experience inspired me to add public policy as a second major at Brown. I was already planning on a degree in education and never realized the opportunities involved in public policy until I came to DC to work for Rep. Kennedy's office. Unfortunately, the Armenian community is small here in Providence, but I would love to start a student club and eventually travel to Armenia. This summer was certainly one of my most memorable."
Lisa Kechijian, '03
Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI)
"I can safely say that my expectations of the internship were met and exceeded. I found the internship to be the best way to experience America and its culture. At the British Embassy, I learned a great deal about the business world including networking, client care and teamwork. The Capitol Ideas and Lecture Series organized by the Assembly educated me on the Assembly's role in the advancement of Armenian issues."
George Shammasian '01
Nicosia, Cyprus British Embassy
"The Congressional experience has not only given me the initiative to pursue a career in international relations but has further secured my commitment to helping my people achieve their goals. As a member of the Armenian Assembly of America, I feel privileged to be able to help in the revival of our homeland."
Ludèr T. Sahagian '00
Congressman John Olver
"My status as a Congressional intern this summer gave me the opportunity to experience public policy-making first hand. Having completed the internship, I feel that I can now make better decisions about what kind of careers I want to pursue in the future. If I want to pursue a career in politics, I have made the connections I need to do so."
Theodore Khachaturian '99
Congressman James E. Rogan
"Having interned on the Hill in '98 and serving as the Intern Coordinator in '99, I feel as though I have grown up through the Assembly's Summer Internship Program. For two years now I have seen young Armenians from various backgrounds come together and share their ideas and dreams with one another forging lifelong bonds. I have met so many energetic and committed individuals who have inspired me. Their future is the future of our community and after having partaken in the Assembly's program I can say that the future looks very bright!"
Ardashes Kassakhian '98
Congressman Frank Pallone
"With 39 Armenian students from all over the U.S., I simultaneously had an amazing summer and gained professional experience to build a credible resume at a very young age. Also, I made real Armenian friends as I lived, laughed and learned of them and our culture."
Tania A. Gulekjian '89
Security and Exchange Commission
"Summer internships are invaluable for young people seeking to pursue a government career, as my experience demonstrates, and the Armenian Assembly is to be commended for having had the foresight more than 20 years ago to encourage young Armenian-Americans to participate in their political system."
Gregory Aftandilian '80
U.S. Department of State
