Traditionally, in August, preparations for the upcoming academic year begin, and each new start is preceded by an analysis of the results of the previous academic year—highlighted by noteworthy figures and facts. The main stages of the university admission process are now behind us, and we can proudly state that the overwhelming majority of “Usum” School graduates have been admitted in the first round, with high competitive scores, to the most in-demand and competitive faculties of state and internationally accredited higher education institutions in our country and abroad (Yerevan State University, American University of Armenia, French University in Armenia Foundation, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, etc.).
Ahead of September, usumschool.am spoke with this year’s graduate, Stepan Stepanyan, who headed the Student Council during the 2022–2023 academic year.
Stepan has been a student at “Usum” for seven years, starting from the 6th grade, and during that time, in his view, he has managed to gain valuable experience, as well as demonstrate great extracurricular and out-of-school activity through the Student Council, stage performances, and volunteer work.
When asked by usumschool.am how he is preparing for student life, Stepan said that, as such, he has not yet fully adapted to the thought that he is no longer a school student and that on the morning of September 1 he will have to go to the French University in Armenia instead of “Usum” School.
At the same time, our interviewee believes that such turning points in life are a natural phenomenon, and when you understand where the road is taking you, the transition becomes smoother. For Stepan, this road is leading to the vast and responsible world of law—a goal he has cherished in recent years. Among his further aspirations is also to continue a part of his studies abroad and to put the acquired skills to work for the development of his homeland.
Returning to the challenges of transitioning from school to university, the graduate admitted that he has no clear idea of the environment awaiting him within the university walls, but he is confident that he will face no insurmountable obstacles. This is because the knowledge he gained at school, as well as his accumulated organizational skills, are sufficient for him to represent himself with dignity in any situation. Stepan is also convinced that, in just 7 years at “Usum,” he has been able to take away more from school than many manage in twelve years; therefore, he feels like a full-fledged “Usum” student.
During the conversation, Stepan fondly recalled the promise he and his classmates made during the graduation ceremony—that they would bring their own children to “Usum.” He assured us that this was not just an emotional statement made in the heat of the moment, but remains a current and important goal. He also added that in the next seven years, his connection with his alma mater will be more than daily and tangible, as his sister and cousin are still students at “Usum.”
At the end of the interview, now a graduate, Stepan advised all current and future “Usum” students to take more from “Usum” than they think they need at the moment, because the line between what is necessary and unnecessary becomes much clearer not here and now, but in adulthood.
If you want, I can also make a polished, publication-ready English version that reads more like a feature article than a direct translation. That would make it sound smoother and more engaging for an English-speaking audience.
To not think freely is to not think at all!
