This story is part of the “Scholarship Stories: Where Are They Now?” series, highlighting the journeys of AUA alumni whose education was made possible through donor-supported scholarships. This story features an AUA graduate who received support from the Yes, Armenian Women Can! campaign, which played a key role in her academic and professional development.
Pursuing higher education can often feel like a challenging task, but for Elen Aleksanyan, the journey that led her to AUA was fueled by her ambitions and the promise of educational excellence. As she explored her options for higher education, AUA quickly stood out to her. The faculty’s impressive backgrounds, featuring a wealth of international experience and strong academic credentials, gave her confidence in the quality of education she would receive.
Elen was particularly attracted to the curriculum’s structure and the use of relevant, up-to-date technologies and teaching methods tailored to meet the demands of the 21st century. The University’s encouragement for students to be independent and proactive resonated with her as well; opportunities for volunteering and the ability to build her own class schedule based on her interests added to its appeal. Moreover, the language of instruction was a critical factor — studying in English, the predominant language in the IT sector, promised to foster her growth and confidence. Prior to applying, Elen seized the opportunity to attend an open class and was struck by its organization and lively teaching style, which left a lasting positive impression. But it was not just about what she studied; it was about the environment that AUA cultivated.
The moment Elen received her acceptance letter was filled with excitement and pride. Yet behind her joy, she was anxious about whether she could afford the tuition. She even had a backup plan and was preparing to apply to another university when the news of her scholarship arrived. “It felt like my dream had come true with just one email. Not only had I been accepted into my dream university, but I could now actually afford to attend. I felt such relief. I immediately stopped worrying about my backup plans, because I knew I would not need them anymore,” recalls Elen.
The scholarship held profound significance for her. “Receiving the scholarship meant the world to me,” she shares. It became a triumphant celebration beyond the acceptance letter itself. Deep down, she feared that not getting accepted to AUA would break her motivation to dream big. With this support, the fear of not being able to attend the University vanished, allowing her to focus entirely on her studies. The scholarship symbolized affirmation that she could achieve her dreams, reigniting her determination to succeed and representing a powerful message: “Yes, Armenian women can!”
Throughout her time at AUA, Elen learned invaluable lessons that continue to shape her life today. The emphasis on critical thinking and forming her own opinions fostered a sense of independence in decision-making, both in academic and professional contexts. Instead of mere memorization, she engaged with material in a way that encouraged curiosity and diverse perspectives — a mindset she carries with her into her career.
AUA’s encouragement of extracurricular involvement also played a pivotal role in her development. Elen participated in programs organized by the AUA Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC) that provided crucial insights into the world of startups. One of her notable projects was taking the lead as CEO and director of her first startup, “Dasarank.” Although the startup ultimately did not succeed, the experience was nevertheless profoundly formative, instilling lessons in leadership, innovation, and resilience that she continues to apply today.
Her professional journey began while still a student. In her junior year, the skills and knowledge Elen gained landed her a spot in the Synergy Summer School, leading to a part-time position at one of Armenia’s leading IT firms as a database developer. Following her graduation from AUA, she seamlessly transitioned to a full-time role in the same field at Ucom Telecommunications. Currently, Elen works in the same field at Ameriabank. Looking ahead, she aspires to continue her professional growth while also nurturing her dream of establishing a startup focused on data security, a field she is passionate about and eager to improve in Armenia.
Reflecting on how AUA shaped her career and personal growth, Elen recognizes that it played a crucial role in revealing her niche within the IT sector. By selecting courses aligned with her interests, she realized her passion for working with data, and now, “I am proud to say I have become an in-demand specialist in the industry,” Elen says.
Without the scholarship, her path would have taken a different turn. Attending AUA meant that she received high-quality education and developed soft skills that top tech companies value today. “The scholarship not only opened a door for me, but also motivated me to succeed in my field, so that I could give back to my community and inspire more women to dream bigger.”
If given the chance to speak to her donor, she would express heartfelt gratitude for the life-changing opportunity the scholarship provided. “I would love to share my story with them, to let them know what I have been through as a professional in the IT field. I would also be curious to hear their own story and ask what inspired them to support young women pursuing higher education.”
Her commitment to giving back to the AUA community is strong. Recognizing the profound influence the University and its community had on her, she hopes to share her experiences and guide students navigating the job market “because the University — and the people in it — truly shaped who I am today.” Moreover, she dreams of providing financial support to future students, ensuring that others, like her, have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
| Elen Aleksanyan is a recipient of the following scholarships:
CHC Cloud Scholarship |
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 and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.