In celebration of her 50th birthday, Analía decided to give herself a unique and meaningful gift—a chance to volunteer in her ancestral homeland. Although she had always maintained a strong bond with the Armenian culture, from attending an Armenian school during her formative years to pursuing a career in drama as an actress, her first visit to Armenia breathed new life into her connection with her roots.
Discovering Roots and Fostering Connections
Analía’s journey began at a young age when she attended an Armenian school, immersing herself in the language, traditional songs, and dances. This early exposure to Armenian culture fueled her passion for the arts, ultimately leading her to pursue a career in drama as an actress. Despite growing up in Argentina, Analía’s Armenian heritage remained a significant part of her life, thanks to her cherished relationship with her grandmother, Yeranuhi, who taught her about Armenian cuisine and traditions.
An essential aspect of Analía’s identity is her love for traveling and immersing herself in different cultures. As she explored numerous countries worldwide, she always knew that a visit to Armenia would be more than just experiencing its landscapes and history; it would be an opportunity to offer something meaningful to the land of her ancestors. A few years ago, she had a thrilling experience when she traveled to Greece and visited the Armenian church where her grandparents were married before migrating to Argentina. This visit ignited her desire to learn more about her ancestral roots and reinforced her determination to visit Armenia.
Volunteering with AVC
Analía’s quest to volunteer in Armenia led her to the Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC). After discovering AVC online, she embarked on a two-week journey as a volunteer teacher, imparting her knowledge of Italian and Spanish to adults.
“I think that the best present I could give myself is to give others a little of what I’ve received and to share with them what I’ve lived. I’m grateful for having been born into an Armenian family,” Analía said of her decision.
Her experience surpassed her expectations as she fell in love with the country’s atmosphere– especially inside the Armenian churches–and the warmth and hospitality of its people. Analía’s time as a volunteer teacher became one of the most fulfilling moments of her life, motivating her to continue helping others in Armenia.
Fusing Passions: Theatre and Language Education
In addition to her passion for volunteer work, Analía is an accomplished actress who co-founded an Italian theater group in Argentina. Over the past decade, she and her colleague have staged performances, showcasing their love for the Italian language, culture, and places.
Her fascination with Italy led her to learn the language and become an Italian teacher, merging her two passions: theater and language education. Analía now runs an Italian theater workshop at the Dante Alighieri Association in Buenos Aires, offering a unique platform for cultural exchange and artistic expression.
Deepening the Connection
During her stay in Armenia, Analía also took an Armenian language course, further deepening her connection to her roots. The experience enhanced her understanding of her heritage and allowed her to communicate with fellow Armenians in their native tongue.
Analía’s journey to Armenia embodies the power of giving back and the significance of staying connected to one’s cultural roots. Her experience as a volunteer teacher at AVC not only fulfilled her personal desire to explore her Armenian heritage but also allowed her to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As she envisions returning to Armenia for an extended period to continue her altruistic efforts, Analía’s journey serves as an inspiration to all who seek to discover their roots, give back to their communities, and foster meaningful connections across cultures.
Analía’s journey to Armenia beautifully exemplifies the transformative power of embracing one’s cultural heritage while actively contributing to the communities from which our ancestors originated. Through her volunteer work and passion for theater and language education, Analía has found a unique way to connect with her Armenian roots and give back to the land that holds such significance for her.
Her story reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural identities and actively engaging with our heritage. It is not enough to simply know our background; we must embrace it, celebrate it, and find ways to share it with others.