New knowledge and experience: YSU best student’s path to success

Stella Shahinyan, a second-year student in the "Linguistic Culture of International Business Communication" Master’s program is one of the winners of the 2024 competition for awarding named scholarships to the top-performing students of Armenian universities ("Best Student"). She reflects on her academic journey, professional interests, and progress, emphasizing that scientific events and competitions contribute to acquiring deeper knowledge and discovering new opportunities to apply it in practice.  

"I frequently participate in competitions, olympiads, and conferences. Such events not only enhance my professional knowledge but also provide opportunities to interact with my peers, establish connections with industry experts, and discover new perspectives. They also allow me to actively stay updated on developments in the educational and scientific fields and be at the forefront of innovations and advancements. Besides all this, I simply enjoy the unifying and pleasant atmosphere of such events, where people communicate freely and exchange ideas," she explains.

During her studies, Stella follows a particular method: she focuses on a deep understanding of ideas and concepts. For example, she is deeply interested in and enjoys studying Armenian history, although she finds it challenging to remember the exact dates of significant events. However, this does not trouble her. Instead, she can thoroughly explain the causes and consequences of those events, describing how they impacted history and in what circumstances they took place.

"My education has greatly benefited both my overall professional development and my work activities. Often, when I encounter a question or issue at work, I remember our lessons and discussions. One of the key features of the educational system at YSU is that students are provided with all necessary materials and information on time, thanks to the electronic system. The educational process is highly organized and structured," she notes. 

This was Stella's second time participating in the "Best Student" competition. She had previously participated during her bachelor’s studies but did not win. This time, she had high hopes of winning but, above all, believed in her own efforts. She was aware of the intense competition, as hundreds of students were competing for the title. Nonetheless, Stella was confident from within that the results of her perseverance and dedication would be acknowledged and valued accordingly. 

"Being awarded the title of "Best Student" in Armenia is not only an honor but also a great responsibility, as it reflects not just my work and dedication but also the achievements I have made. This victory is one of my greatest accomplishments," she emphasizes.

Reflecting on her scientific activity, YSU student mentions that she has published articles in international journals, most of which focus on literary studies.

"My love for world literature is indescribable, and it has been shaped thanks to my professors. In my articles, I address themes such as guilt and freedom in Western literature, social and religious issues expressed in literature, existential literature, the global perception of the Armenian character, and more," Stella shares, expressing her intention to deepen her professional knowledge and become a leading expert in the field.

Currently, Stella works as a business development specialist in a software company, actively applying the knowledge she gained during her studies. She also has a background in fine arts and admits she has a passion for everything related to art. 

"I engage in painting and pottery, and on weekends, I teach visual arts to children, as I find both the art world and working with children in a relaxed environment very enjoyable and intriguing. I study psychology, write poetry and short stories, and in the near future, I plan to start engaging in a sport as well," she says. 

When asked what it means to be a YSU student, Stella responds, "When I think of YSU, the first word that comes to mind is 'pride'. I have always admired the fact that many individuals who are dedicated to our nation and highly skilled in their fields are graduates of YSU. Now, as a YSU student, I feel a great sense of pride and responsibility," she candidly shares.  

Some interesting facts about Stella Shahinyan were also revealed through incomplete sentences in the "Student's Diary" questionnaire. 

I chose YSU because I have always wanted to be a part of the alma mater.

University life has taught me that the most important thing is human relationships.

Throughout my studies, I have been pleasantly surprised and impressed by the expertise and professionalism of some professors.

The most important victory is when you thank yourself for not giving up.

To earn the title of best student, perseverance, hard work, and again perseverance are necessary.

One interesting fact about me is that I cannot live without humor and without making references to pop culture in my speech.