Marianna Vasilian, who left Yerevan to live in Moscow and then returned to Yerevan again, a mother of two boys, a wonderful woman, a hardworking and skilled professional, will tell us about how much she is connected to Armenia, what it means to be a good citizen and "Kamar" of Ameriabank, which is considered the leader of the Armenian banking system. worked in the branch as the head of the Customer Service Department.
You were born and raised in Yerevan. Can you tell us about that part of your life?
- Yes, I was born and raised in Yerevan. I had a very happy and lively childhood with my two older brothers who always encouraged me to try new things and enjoy life in all its colors. I finished my schooling and entered the university here. I have had a very interesting life. To be honest, I think that my family's love and immense support shaped my life and memories of Yerevan. So, I can describe my life in Yerevan in a few words as "warm, sunny and happy".
Your family in 2001 went to Moscow. Was it difficult for you to decide to leave?
- Part of my family moved before I left. So Moscow was not an unfamiliar place for us. In addition, I knew Russian very well, thanks to which I adapted quickly and easily. However, living permanently in a hyperactive city like Moscow is a completely different feeling. I missed Yerevan and its tranquility, but there was no time to indulge in emotions.
How did your career in Moscow begin?
- I started my career as an informant in a Russian investment company, and I could not even imagine where it could take me. A few months later, I was offered the position of assistant executive director at the same company. A few more months later, I met my husband there. So, at my first workplace, I started to gather experience, learn from leading specialists. it played a key role in building my future career path correctly, and I also met the love of my life. I had another wonderful opportunity to work in the banking industry in Moscow, first as a credit specialist, and shortly after as a leading specialist in regional credit policy and VIP clients.
Let's talk about the return to the homeland. Was it the right time to make such a move?
- I realized that sooner or later my husband and I would return to Armenia, because that has always been our ultimate goal. When our first child was born, my husband began to consider job offers that would allow us to return to Yerevan. And when our second son was born, we clearly knew that we were not going to raise them in Moscow. In 2009, when my husband got a great job offer, we made the final decision to return to Armenia. First, he came and created conditions for the family to return to Armenia. 2009 On March 8, I received a gift from my husband, opened it and saw 4 one-way tickets to Yerevan. This was the beginning.
How is your life in Armenia?
- I successfully manage to combine my personal life and work, raise my sons, meet my friends and relatives, in short, live fully. Living in Yerevan, I can accomplish so much in one day that would have taken me a week in Moscow. Everything is close and convenient. You can trade in an hour break without any stress. 40 minutes and you are in nature. You spend your weekends with your children, have fun, meet your friends, relatives, etc. Your working days are filled with business meetings, inspiring work and striving to create the best every day. I think repatriates coming from megacities will fully understand what we are talking about. A day in Yerevan can be much more productive than a week in the metropolis. I assure you.
As an average citizen, how would you describe the positive and negative aspects of living in Armenia?
- I will mention 3 positive and 3 negative aspects. The first positive is that you can raise your children without having to watch them all the time. My kids are free here, they can go wherever they want, and I DON'T WORRY about them. They have good friends, interesting hobbies and freedom to express themselves. We don't have to constantly work to preserve their identity, make them learn their culture, language. The second positive aspect, as I mentioned, is the convenience of everyday life. Our country is small, so all requirements can be met very quickly. The third positive aspect is the people who live here. We are surrounded by generous, intelligent, positive and caring people. People living in Yerevan are very sociable and always ready to make new friends.
The negatives would be hard to list, but I'll try. I would like to see our city cleaner. To see cleanliness everywhere, in the streets, mountains, parks and lakes, but it requires the efforts of all of us. Who is responsible for our country if not us? If I see trash while walking down the street, I pick it up and throw it in the trash can. Yes, it is on the street, not in my house, but each of us should treat our country as if it were our own home. The second thing I would like to mention is the scarcity of green spaces in Yerevan. We need parks, lots of parks. I would like there to be a lot of recreational and interesting entertainment places, playgrounds, interesting and interactive museums, etc.
You work at Ameriabank, which is the leader of the RA banking system. What does this job bring to an already experienced professional?
- I was lucky. I work in an environment that is very close to my heart. The rules of business conduct here are unique and exemplary for me. I always admire them. An atmosphere of respect and mutual trust prevails in all circles of the company, and these are not just words. Everyone's opinion matters. This is the main and for me the most important component of business ethics. This is not just a big company where you come, work, fill out your CV and move on. This is a "living giant" that feels pain even if a needle touches its finger. This structure allows me to keep my leadership skills "alert" at all times so that no input from the team goes unnoticed.
The next attractive aspect of my job at Ameriabank, which I appreciate the most, is that our bank is built by people for people. Personalized service, modern approaches, respect for all customers, constantly evolving and improving digital systems, offers and skills. This "giant" gives us great energy to work, strive for the best and develop. I think the short answer to the question is this, although I could go on and on about this.
Thank you for giving us your time. I think our readers who want to return to Armenia will take into account everything you listed.
- Thank you too. One piece of advice for people who want to return to their homeland. don't think too long. You can apply to the Return to Armenia Fund, create your new environment, apply for vacancies online and move to Armenia. I wish you all good luck.
Source: https://repatarmenia.org/