Support a Veteran’s Data Science Dream at Boston University

Embracing Eastern and Western Armenian Identities

Born in Yerevan, Armenia, to a family of Syrian-Armenian repatriates, my early years were shaped by stories of resilience and the belief in the power of education. My parents, having moved from Aleppo in 1990 amidst challenging conditions to study, instilled in me the values of hard work, community service, and the importance of contributing to the welfare of our homeland. Growing up, our family trips across Armenia, Artsakh, and Western Armenia were not just vacations; they were lessons in history, culture, and patriotism. Aligning with both Eastern and Western Armenian culture and dialects has given me the advantage of widening my horizon with diverse views from both the diaspora and Armenia. These experiences deepened my connection to my Armenian heritage, teaching me the value of understanding and preserving my identity.

A Passion for Education and Data Science

From a young age, the emphasis on education was paramount in our household. This focus on learning led me to AYB High School, renowned for its excellence in STEM education. Here, I dove into programming, physics, mathematics, and statistics, laying the groundwork for my future academic pursuits. The rigorous curriculum and competitive environment honed my skills and fueled my ambition to make a meaningful contribution to society through technology. Choosing to major in data science at the American University of Armenia (AUA) was driven by my fascination with the potential of technology to solve complex problems. My journey at AUA was marked by dedication and a passion for learning, which prepared me for the challenges ahead.

The War in Artsakh (2020) and Its Lessons

My academic journey paused because of my military service in Armenia, and my time in the military overlapped with the 2020 Artsakh war. I recall the war days spent under the cold, relentless rain, surrounded by the mud and deafening echoes of the war outbreaks; I operated an outdated Soviet-era anti-aircraft missile system, my heart pounding with the constant threat of advanced enemy drones overhead. Each press of the launch button was a gamble - often, it would send a missile, while many times, the system would falter, leaving us exposed and helpless. Yet, amidst this chaos, our unit took down four enemy UAVs, which confirmed that we still had power in our hands. In those moments, filled with determination, I envisioned a bright future for Armenia, thinking if we could courageously hold our ground with outdated equipment, the possibilities with advanced technologies could truly be transformative for our defense capabilities and the overall growth of our nation.

One particularly grueling day remains vivid in my memory. It was October 30th. As night approached, we were setting up guard shifts for our position. At that relatively calm moment, it was unexpected for us to hear a command to get into our anti-aircraft missile system and prepare to operate it. Yet, on our way to the machine, we could not disregard the sudden blast that felt so close. The air was thick with tension – each and every decision we would make in the following moments was a matter of life and death for all of us. Instinctively, we ran into the foxhole, where we sat without speaking until the noises calmed down. "I should really get out and operate the machine," I urged my captain as I realized the violent bombardment simmered down. "Let us be safe and stay a little longer," told the captain. It would only be minutes later that my life flashed before my eyes as I saw the fiery red from the hole seemingly coming our way. When the panic died down, I realized we were all still alive – completely unharmed; the only thing that was entirely wrecked was the machine we were told to operate.

This was only one in many cases of our unit's survival, which was based on substantial luck. However, this was not the case for thousands of other Armenian soldiers who did not get the chance to see or experience life after the 2020 Artsakh war. Emerging from this devastating conflict as a data scientist, my resolve to propel Armenia's technological capabilities forward has never been more urgent. As I was reading U.S. military analyst John Antal's book titled "7 Seconds to Die," a powerful quote stuck with me; "Untutored courage is useless in the face of educated bullets." Following the collective devastation and setback of our nation, this quote highlighted a stark reality: while my courage, as a soldier, was incontestable, it was not supported by the vital technological tools needed for survival in the war zone. As I aim to become a professional data scientist and focus on innovative projects, I aim to bring advancements that will significantly enhance the prosperity and development of Armenia.

Returning to Civilian Life

Returning to civilian life and resuming my studies was challenging. The transition from the battlefield back to academia required significant adjustment, but my resolve was stronger than ever. Reflecting on my academic journey, a notable highlight has been the consistent improvement in my grades, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA for four consecutive semesters. After the horrors of war, I felt the only way to realize my potential was through education, so I was 100% dedicated to my studies every day, every hour. I dedicated myself to my studies with a renewed purpose. My engagement in a research project with an AUA professor, where we applied deep learning to address complex physics problems, is a testament to my commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to the scientific community. This work, set to be published and already presented at international conferences, was a milestone in my academic career. Furthermore, my dedication was recognized when I was selected for a competitive exchange program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts by the American University of Armenia. During the program, I collaborated on a project using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to identify bio-waste and methane hotspots, significantly enhancing my research capabilities and preparing me for future studies in the USA.

The Dream of Studying at Boston University

The acceptance into Boston University's Master of Science in Data Science program, coupled with a merit scholarship, is a significant achievement in my academic journey. It represents not just personal success but the realization of a broader vision to leverage education for the benefit of my community. I see this opportunity as a stepping stone to further my contribution to Armenia's tech sector, envisioning a future where I can use the knowledge and networks I gain to foster innovation and development.

The Financial Challenge

However, this dream comes with significant financial challenges. The overall cost of the program is $67626. Additionally, the estimated costs of living and other expenses include:

This brings the estimated overall cost for one academic year to $93652. Fortunately, with the merit scholarship from BU of $15000, support from other scholarships, and my family's assistance, we have managed to reduce the overall cost to $50000.

My story is one of transition from the trenches of war to the pursuit of academic excellence, driven by a deep-seated commitment to contribute to the advancement of Armenia. As I look forward to my studies at Boston University, I carry with me the lessons of resilience, the importance of community, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. It is through this lens that I view my role as a student, a future professional, and a member of the global Armenian community, dedicated to making a meaningful impact both within and beyond the borders of my homeland.

I humbly ask for your support to help me achieve my dream. Thank you for your generosity and belief in my journey.

Ձեր օգնությունը կարող է մեծապես նպաստել իմ կրթական նպատակների իրագործմանը։ Շնորհակալ եմ․․․