All-ASA Engages Students in Discussions on Identity at Annual Retreat

All-ASA Annual Retreat Group Picture

WRIGHTWOOD ”“ From Friday January 8th to Sunday January 10th, the All-Armenian Student Association (All-ASA) held its annual retreat at AYF Camp in Wrightwood, CA. Co-hosted by the ARF Shant Student Association, the retreat was booked to near capacity and attended by over 100 college students and recent alumni from a record-breaking 23 different colleges and universities around the United States.

The theme of this year’s All-ASA Retreat was centered on the identity of the Armenian student analyzed through three different scopes. Conversations revolved around components of personal identity including language, culture, and religion, the roles of students in their ASAs and campus communities, and the relationship between the Armenian student and various diasporan communities around the world and the homeland itself. These conversations were spurred by interactive discussions, presentations, icebreakers, and even meals, which were all ensured to be traditionally Armenian and prepared solely by students.

“The annual All-ASA retreat is organized to engage Armenian college students in critical discussions about their identities and roles as leaders within the community, and foster bonds between students from different schools”