Vazken Panossian, a rising senior at Bethlehem University, has been interning this summer at Christian Brothers Conference in Washington, DC. His major is Accounting.
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Vazken is an Armenian Orthodox Christian living in Jerusalem and studying in Bethlehem. He is among the 46% of students who travel from Jerusalem to study at Bethlehem University (an additional 44% come from Bethlehem itself, and the remainder come from Hebron and elsewhere). With people from around the world visiting the Holy Land for religious and other reasons, Vazken has witnessed a lot of diversity and enjoys a unique perspective.
"Living in Palestine we are used to meeting and interacting with people from different faiths and regional background on a day to day basis. Living in Jerusalem and going to school in Bethlehem, I have the opportunity to meet pilgrims from all over the world and learn about their culture, language, and opinions which really helps me grow as a person."
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Vazken also attributes this personal growth to the Brothers and faculty on campus,
"My experience at the University has always been a pleasant one. The atmosphere on campus, the behaviors of the teachers and Brothers, and the students' attitude towards one another help us to overcome the struggles we face in our daily lives, no matter how big or small. Bethlehem University truly is an oasis of peace, as our Vice Chancellor, Brother Peter Bray, so wonderfully describes it."
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In addition to his studies at Bethlehem University, Vazken volunteers with the Student Ambassador Program at the University, and is also a full-time employee for his family's jewelry shop. Even with this busy schedule, Vazken has been an honor student each of his semesters at the University. He enjoys taking a break from studying and working by spending time with friends at a cafe or playing board games.
Upon graduating, Vazken looks forward to continuing his education and getting a CPA. He thanks all who support the University;
"No matter how many times I say thank you, it will never be enough. Through your generosity many young Palestinians are able to afford quality education, advance our lives and careers, and improve the lives of those around us."
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At Christian Brothers Conference, Vazken has been acting in several capacities, assisting with events, the Lasallian Volunteers program, Human Resources, and advancement.
As part of the Student Ambassadors program at Bethlehem University, Vazken and four other students have been interning in the United States this summer. On Bethlehem University's campus, the Ambassadors guide tours for visiting groups and help tell the story of the University to the international community. The Ambassadors are also eligible for internship programs thanks to the generosity of the Sir John McGuckin Mentoring and Internship Program of the Northwestern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
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Reception with the Bethlehem University student interns:
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About Bethlehem University:
Jointly founded by the Vatican and the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Bethlehem University annually enrolls more than 3,200 students in bachelor, master, and professional diploma programs. A Catholic co-educational institution, the University is the only Catholic/Christian university in the Holy Land. The University's mission is to provide quality higher education to the people of the Holy Land and to serve them in its role as a center for the advancement, sharing, and use of knowledge.
About Bethlehem University Foundation:
The Bethlehem University Foundation is the U.S. registered not-for-profit organization entrusted with the sole mission of supporting and promoting Bethlehem University. The Foundation is a means for United States citizens to make a tax deductible donation in support of Bethlehem University.
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