It was around these days, ten years ago...

05:28:00 03.07.2026

It was around these days, ten years ago, that I submitted my resignation letter at Glendale College (two years earlier I had taught for two years at California State University while simultaneously working on my master’s degree) in order to leave my teaching position, because after the 2016 Four-Day April War I had come to the realization that I needed to accept personal responsibility and move to Armenia. In 2015 I had already earned my master’s degree in physics and was just beginning my career, but fate, as it turned out, had drawn a completely different path for me.

What is interesting is that around that same time I received a job offer from JPL—the Jet Propulsion Laboratory—which is considered not only one of the most prestigious scientific and engineering institutions in the United States, but in the entire world. The offer was tempting, as I had always wanted to work in such an institution, but I nevertheless declined it, because I had already made my decision and there was no turning back. I could not refuse the Call of the Land and betray my inner voice.

Ten years have passed, and during these years I have gone through military service and war, and witnessed numerous political upheavals, all of which together have led to deep disappointment. Many, I am sure, will consider me "foolish" for making such a choice, because instead of “wasting my life” in politics in Armenia, I could now be working at that institution in the United States with a considerably high salary. Some will see this as sacrifice, others as loss, but I see it as duty.

In any case, regardless of everything, I do not regret my decision at all, because I have no doubt I am on the right path, even though most people do not yet see it. I believe the path I have chosen is the right one, because the Call of the Land I heard ten years ago could not have been false.

I came for the Call of the Land, I stayed for it, and I will remain and fight for it.