“SMART has been the school of my dreams” – Rudik Gharibyan, the first SMART Citizen, who finished the SMART Citizenship curriculum this week, summarizes his two-year journey at the COAF SMART Center and is getting ready to go to the army today.
Two years ago, he stepped into the white undulating concrete building, which unveiled a new world to him not only by its unique construction and interior but also with a variety of state-of-the-art programs and prolific social life. SMART connected the youth of over two dozen communities of the Lori region and them – to the modern world.
“SMART came into my life the moment I needed it most,” he confesses, adding, “At first, I was afraid of the new environment, but SMART changed my ability to adapt to different environments, it motivated me, and I learned to present myself professionally.”
Here he first designed his first business card (one of the achievements of the Marketing program), got acquainted with the banking field (Finance was his favorite program), discovered his favorite instrument – the guitar (through the Musical Instruments program), and realized a harvest could be doubled or tripled when the cultivation of soil and seedlings is done by special methods (thank you, Agritech!).
The ambitious and diligent guy from the town of Alaverdi dreams of one day having his own chain of hotels. The three locations will be in Armenia, France, and Germany. France has his heart for its famous Eiffel Tower, Germany – its developed economy and industry. And Armenia, of course, is where he belongs to and will soon defend its borders.
The memories Rudik gained at SMART are so many that they will ensure his love and motivation for life until the end of his military service.
As soon as he is done with the army, he will continue his studies in Management at Vanadzor State University. Until then, he has a plan, “I will continue self-learning and developing myself.”
Rudik, you are our first SMART Citizen, and we are so proud of you! Let the sky be peaceful as you protect our borders. Remember, the doors of COAF SMART will always be open for you!
