by Lala Avetisyan
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Lala Avetisyan’s Community Service Project, “Educational Excursion”, took place on March 28, 2025. 20 students aged fourteen to eighteen from Makenis village came to Yerevan to visit sites that would spark interest in natural sciences and medicinal work, for future educational opportunities. The goal of the excursion was to expose students to modern scientific research methods, deepen their understanding of science and medicine, and help them envision educational and professional paths. Lala specifically chose the visit locations to have strong scientific and medical backgrounds due to her project from the year before, where the same students received First Aid training. The students wanted to build on the medical and scientific information they received during that project, as it piqued their interests. The day began at the Mkhitar Heratsi Yerevan State Medical University, where the students learned about the history of medicine and medical practices in Armenia, and saw various medical tools and artifacts used to practice medicine. They also learned about the different faculties at the Yerevan State Medical University, and what opportunities are available to them, gaining insight into potential educational programs and careers in the medical field.
Their second stop was a visit to the American University of Armenia, which allowed students to gain more knowledge about the different departments at the school, including their nursing department. The group received a tour of the campus, and heard a presentation about the school and all it has to offer, with a highlight on the Turpanjian College of Health Sciences. At their visit to the Scientific Technological Center of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, students were introduced to real-world scientific research. They observed cutting-edge laboratory equipment, witnessed how research is conducted, and even participated in hands on lab experiments! The last stop of the day was at the Yerevan Botanical Garden. There, students explored the diverse plant life in the gardens and greenhouses, and toured the botanical museum, which houses geological and paleontological specimens from across Armenia. Throughout the day, students were able to explore their individual interests, discover how those passions could translate into academic pursuits, and envision careers in science and medicine. We hope that the experience was not only educational but also deeply inspiring, encouraging the students to aim for a bright academic future.
Their second stop was a visit to the American University of Armenia, which allowed students to gain more knowledge about the different departments at the school, including their nursing department. The group received a tour of the campus, and heard a presentation about the school and all it has to offer, with a highlight on the Turpanjian College of Health Sciences. At their visit to the Scientific Technological Center of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, students were introduced to real-world scientific research. They observed cutting-edge laboratory equipment, witnessed how research is conducted, and even participated in hands on lab experiments! The last stop of the day was at the Yerevan Botanical Garden. There, students explored the diverse plant life in the gardens and greenhouses, and toured the botanical museum, which houses geological and paleontological specimens from across Armenia. Throughout the day, students were able to explore their individual interests, discover how those passions could translate into academic pursuits, and envision careers in science and medicine. We hope that the experience was not only educational but also deeply inspiring, encouraging the students to aim for a bright academic future.
