An Armenian Life Leads to a Call to Serve

That passion to serve and educate crosses into her work as a professor at Bergen Community College teaching Western Civilization and witnessing the growth of each student. She makes it a point to combat political apathy by engaging her students, making sure they understand civics because “every American child deserves to know how their government works.”

Her work at Bergen Community College goes hand in hand with her run for public office since the college is partially publicly funded and as part of the larger community college system, “gives educational access to those who might not have it otherwise.”

The achievements of her students, as she teaches them not only about textbook material but also of their surrounding society and environment, is a source of fulfillment for her as she sees their progress throughout each semester.

“Seeing the light bulb go on, that’s what drives me,” said Beylerian, who is co-director of the Center for Peace, Justice & Reconciliation at Bergen Community College, where she develops programming to promote genocide studies, Armenian history and culture alongside other underrepresented groups.

Assuming the role of a public servant comes naturally for Beylerian, who traces her years in Armenian school, church and youth organizations as helping pave the way for a life in public office, learning important skills “directly from the Armenian community.”

“We are taught to public speak by reciting on stage while our Armenian values of respect, courtesy are instilled in our home,” she said. “Working within Armenian organizations, we learn to deal with different personalities and to be politically astute.”

As a longtime supporter herself of political and cultural organizations, Beylerian is well aware that Armenians have the ability to endorse humanitarian efforts and fruitful campaigns for politicians, but should begin to look inward.

“We should set a new standard to be a decision maker for ourselves and start backing our own,” she said. “But to make that a reality takes funding.”

She’s blazing a trail that encourages the presence of more women in politics, particularly Armenian women, and hopes others will join this course she’s navigating. Generous as always with her insights, she says her goal is to “gain institutional knowledge that will support other Armenians in the future.”

A firm believer in the political process, Beylerian, who hasn’t ruled out running for higher office one day, urges citizens to vote for candidates they believe in, regardless of their political leanings.

“Just go vote,” she said. “It’s a precious gift.”

This was a gift that was cherished by her own family, as the granddaughter of Armenian Genocide survivors. Her grandfather arrived in the United States as an orphan, and while he embraced his Armenian culture in his adopted home, he was equally grateful to live in the country that provided him with a safe haven — so much so that he would put extra money in his federal taxes as a show of gratitude, because he was “so proud to be an American.”

As a mother, wife, professor, community activist and musician, Beylerian has her hands full but sees life as a series of cycles where priorities shift over time, which resulted in this opportune moment of running for public office.

“I couldn’t have done this when my husband was serving in Iraq and when I had two school-age children at home and an elderly mother,” said Beylerian. “But now I can.”

Through it all, her connection to her Armenian heritage remains paramount, as does her desire to promote and unite the Armenian people, a notion that was instilled in her all those years ago on that Map of Armenia float rolling down 5th Avenue.

“I hope through this journey other “ians” or individuals with Armenian heritage will run for their local councils and rise up the ranks,” said Beylerian. “It takes only one snowflake to start a snowball rolling.”

To learn more about Nvair Beylerian’s

campaign or to donate, visit www.USRForward.com/Beylerian or follow her at www.Facebook.com/USRForward.