The journey of immigrants coming to the United States has always been a story that is central to the history of America and will continue to remain prevalent throughout the years. Immigrants who decide to take on the treacherous journey of migrating to the US face the difficulties and hardships of adapting to a new culture, language, and societal structure. Being able to adapt to a different culture and way of life is incredibly difficult especially while attempting to remain true to their cultural heritage. I was given the opportunity to discuss this issue with Araksya Karapetyan, an Armenian-American news anchor and television personality for KTTV FOX 11's Good Day L.A. as well as discussing her first introduction to broadcast journalism and Armenian representation in the media sphere.

When discussing the issue of maintaining one’s connection to their cultural heritage, Araksya explains how “my Armenian identity plays a big role in who I am as I’ve tried to highlight that and not shy away from it and embrace the fact that it makes me unique.” As someone who was born in Armenia but later moved to America as a child, Araksya explains that, “it’s nice having this balance of growing up in America yet having a strong connection to Armenia and the homeland because you get the best of both worlds and I find it makes you an interesting person”. However, she also discusses the challenges of immigrating to a different country from a young age stating that, “it’s challenging when you don’t know the language and you’re trying really hard to fit in. When I first moved here I tried to be involved with every activity and every organization and I did everything everyone else was doing… but it never compromised my upbringing or who I was”.

In regards to Araksya’s initial introduction to broadcast journalism, she explains how she initially majored in international relations but later decided to major in something that “carries a lot of weight”, which led her to change her major to broadcast journalism. However, now getting the opportunity to look back on her life, she feels like what she does currently “all makes sense [because] growing up I always wanted to entertain, to inform… And I’m a people person, I love hearing people’s stories and telling stories. It all has led me down this path.” Additionally, as someone who is constantly on camera Araksya discusses how she has always been really comfortable being on camera from a young age, but wasn’t entirely as comfortable with it as she is today explaining that like everything in life the more you do something the better you become at it, adding that everyday she’s always evolving and trying to better her skills, while also becoming more and more comfortable being on camera.

Moreover, as a reporter and producer in Idaho Falls, Araksya discusses how her “news director in Idaho Falls in a town with no Armenians and no one really knows what Armenia is asked to change my name for TV purposes and I put my foot down since my last name clearly showcases that I’m Armenian.” She later elaborates on the question of whether her Armenian background made it more or less difficult when trying to break out into the industry, she explains that “I definitely stood out in Idaho Falls where there are no Armenians but in LA where you’re surrounded by diverse people it doesn’t play as big of a role.” Nevertheless, Araksya finds it heartwarming to hear stories of fellow Armenians seeing her on TV and becoming ardent viewers upon seeing a fellow Armenian in the media “that’s when you realize just how important it is”. In fact, particularly during the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2020 the Armenian diaspora has seen firsthand the importance of representation in the media as reporters, like Araksya were doing incredible work bringing this issue to the forefront of the conversation and most importantly informing their vast audience of what they personally can do to help the situation whether that be informing others, signing petitions, or donating to organizations in Armenia. While Araksya has faced a number of difficulties and hardships throughout her life, as reflected through her immigrant journey, she acknowledges the opportunities given to her in the US and sees the importance of maintaining her cultural heritage.

You can find Araksya on Good Day LA on FOX 11 every weekday from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. P.T. and on Instagram @araksyakarapetyan, Twitter @Araksya, and Facebook @AraksyaKarapetyan Be sure to follow us on Instagram @davityanreview, Facebook @DavityanReview, and Twitter @DavityanR to see clips of our interview with Araksya.

A big thank you to Araksya Karapetyan for spending the time participating in our interview, we appreciate it very much!