Alumni Forum Series: AUA Hosts Talk on Field of Education

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YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) recently featured Talin Saghdasaryan (BSCS ’19) in their Beyond the Campus: Alumni Stories series. Titled “From Computer Science to the Science of Education,” Talin’s presentation unveiled her transformative journey from pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in computer science at AUA to becoming an Educational Programs Lead at Paradigma Educational Foundation with an M.A. in philosophy of education from the UCL Institute of Education. 

Saghdasaryan began her story with her high school explorations of future academic choices, which eventually led her to apply for and gain acceptance to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at AUA. The narrative unfolded as she began questioning her choice of major, contemplating changes, and her ultimate decision to stay the course. Saghdasaryan’s academic journey took an unexpected turn as she embraced courses outside of her major, like philosophy and music, extracurricular activities, and a diverse range of experiences, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.

While not what she thought at the time, Saghdasaryan is now confident that her “liberal arts education at AUA was a solid foundation upon which my future education and career decisions were made possible. From applying for a degree in philosophy to working at a tech company as a learning and development specialist, my B.S. in computer science and experience at AUA equipped me with the professional background, along with academic and professional skills, to be able to handle those challenges.”

In the second half of the presentation, Saghdasaryan delved into her thesis on powerful knowledge and the aims of education, as well as her current role as an Educational Programs Lead at Paradigma. The Foundation, focusing on history education, children’s literacy, and research and advocacy, became the canvas for Saghdasaryan’s passion for education. She highlighted projects like the Guidebook on History Teaching: Why? How? and the “History #5” resource kit, showcasing the theoretical foundations and practical approaches the Foundation uses to reshape history education in Armenia.

Saghdasaryan concluded by acknowledging the unpredictability of her journey and the importance of embracing diverse experiences. Her story, although carefully crafted for the presentation, served as a reminder that professional trajectories often unfold in unexpected ways. Her main message was to embrace the discomfort, trust the process, and always seize opportunities that present themselves along the way. 

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.