YEREVAN, Armenia — Nune Mosikyan (BAPG ’27), a junior in the Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance program at the American University of Armenia (AUA), didn’t always plan on a career in public policy. Having spent her school years in Gavar, Nune was a child of diverse interests — obsessed with the arts, playing the piano, and harboring dreams of becoming an actor or filmmaker. However, during high school, her focus began to shift. Influenced by her teachers and a growing interest in women’s rights, she found herself drawn toward politics, history, and international relations. “I was somewhat of an activist at school,” Nune recalls. “Eventually, I decided to come to AUA after attending an open house event at the University. Even the building itself made an impression on me when I was younger; all those small things added up.”
Throughout her studies at AUA, Nune has reached several academic milestones, but she considers her greatest accomplishment so far to be serving as a research assistant for a research paper on misinformation and disinformation during the Artsakh blockade. Working alongside Dr. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan, she gained a new perspective on the world of academia. “It was fascinating to see how professors work outside the classroom,” she says. “Dr. Ter-Matevosyan’s enthusiasm significantly increased my interest in academic research, which is something I had never imagined for myself before.” The impact of the work became even more tangible during an open discussion where readers from Artsakh shared their impressions. Their feedback made the experience deeply meaningful for Nune, reinforcing her desire to pursue academic research.
Despite her academic success, Nune’s journey has not been without challenges. Having an introverted nature, as she describes herself, she initially found the social environment of a university in the capital city overwhelming. “I found it difficult to participate in class discussions at first,” she admits. “I often preferred to just sit and listen. Eventually, I pushed myself to speak up. That helped me start connecting with others and finding like-minded friends. Sometimes you just need to push yourself out of your comfort zone.”
This willingness to step out of her comfort zone has led to impressive professional opportunities. Nune is currently an intern at the Constitutional Court of Armenia, where she researches legal institutions to better understand her future career path. She also recently served as “Ambassador for a Day” with the British Embassy after winning a competition focused on women’s empowerment. Shadowing the UK ambassador during official visits provided her with a masterclass in diplomacy. “I realized that embassy work is much more than bureaucracy; it’s also about initiatives that support communities. Seeing how carefully the Ambassador communicated taught me how vital those skills are when you represent an entire country.”
During the fall 2025 semester, Nune reconnected with her childhood passions through a filmmaking workshop at the AUA Media Lab, led by famous filmmaker and actor Michael Goorjian. “It was an incredible experience. I acted in a film and worked on the production side,” she says. “It was a total break from political studies and allowed me to explore my artistic interests again. This experience was definitely a highlight of the year.”
As she nears the end of her undergraduate journey, Nune feels AUA has transformed her into a critical, independent thinker. She has learned to analyze issues from multiple perspectives and navigate the complexities of political and social issues. Her advice to future students is rooted in this same authenticity: “You need passion and curiosity. If you’re only pursuing a degree for the sake of it, it will be difficult. Everyone moves at their own pace, so explore different opportunities — that’s where real growth happens.”
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.