As an intern at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, I was fortunate to be mentored by leading Middle Eastern academics after completing my studies at SLU. The experience allowed me to bridge my academic background with regional expertise and gave me first-hand exposure to the world of policy research. During my time there, I authored an article titled “Don’t Underestimate the Armenians of Lebanon,” which highlights the political significance and resilience of Lebanon’s Armenian community, an often-overlooked yet integral part of the country’s sociopolitical fabric. This opportunity not only strengthened my research and writing skills but also deepened my ability to communicate complex ideas to a broader public. It had a major impact on my career development, helping me clarify my interest in the intersections of diaspora, identity, and politics in the Middle East.
As I departed SLU, the internship guided me toward the next step in my academic journey pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy at the American University of Armenia. Looking forward, I plan to continue building on these experiences by engaging in both scholarship and policy work that address the challenges of marginalized communities in the region.