Trip to Armenia Points to Career

Charitable organizations often say volunteerism can change lives, and for Taleen Tertzakian, 17, that has proved to be true.

Helping doctors in Armenia treat children with orthopedic problems this summer prompted Tertzakian, a senior at Foothill High School, to study medicine with the goal of becoming a doctor herself.

“The trip pushed me to realize that,” Tertzakian said. “It was a great rush for me.”

Tertzakian worked with other volunteers, including medical professionals, for Project Hope, an American humanitarian group that operates a medical center in Yerevan, Armenia.

Most of the patients there were children who suffered from scoliosis and other bone-formation disorders, she said.

“Some [families] would drive eight hours to come there. They were so appreciative of anything we could do for them.”

Though Tertzakian is still deciding where she will attend college next year, she definitely plans to enroll in medical-related classes and eventually medical school.