Michael Baghdassarian
John Cabot University Rome, Italy
Bachelor of Arts & Political Science, Study Abroad Scholarship
La Salle College Preparatory
Fall 2023 & Spring 2024
2019-2023
Co-Founder, MicroEngage
Created and launched a microloan program supporting agricultural businesses in the rural village of Debet, Armenia. Funded initiative through earnings as a cashier (2019-2022). Conducted interviews with US microloan specialists as background preparation. Partnered with non-profit Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) in March 2022 to generate microloan applications from Debet entrepreneurs. Lived in Debet from June-July 2022; spoke to local entrepreneurs about business conditions and the local economy. Evaluated microloan business proposals, and interviewed loan applicants utilizing Armenian language skills. Funded five Debet entrepreneurs specializing in beekeeping and honey production. Negotiated loan contract terms and funded loans.
Fall 2021 - Present
Founder and President, La Salle Ski and Snowboard Club (Grades 11, 12)
Created La Salle’s first club devoted to winter sports with 57 members (2021), growing to 90 members (2022). Presented the club's purpose and goals on Club Day. Registered beginner and advanced skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. Set up and manage the Ski Club’s Instagram account, increasing awareness of the club and showcasing activities. Design content and post visually appealing photos; recorded video that generated 24,000 views. Engage with Instagram followers, responding to likes, shares and thanking re-posters. Lead meetings and assign duties for three-day trip events to a local ski resort each year. Compose weekly email updates.
2021-2023
Other Awards and Honors
Second Place, Los Angeles County Science Fair, 2019. Product Science (Biological)
Fourth Place, California State Science Fair, 2019. Category: Microbiology (General) Junior Division.
1st Place, 2019 Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA) Science Olympiad. Category: Chemistry - Junior Division.
Nominated for the Broadcom Masters 2019 Competition by the California State Science Fair. Only the top 10% of science fair projects are nominated for this program.
Second Place, Los Angeles County Science Fair, 2018. Category: Product Science, Junior Division.
Fourth Place, California State Science Fair, 2018. Category: Product Science, Junior Division.
Nominated for the Broadcom Masters 2018 Competition by the California State Science Fair.
Honors
Magna Cum Laude : National Honor Society, 2021-Present. California Scholarship Federation, 2020-Present. Honor Roll, 9th - 12th grades. La Salle High School Academic Achievement Award.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Service, and Professional Experience
Founder and President, La Salle Armenian Club (Grades 11, 12)
Launched an Armenian cultural club, now the largest and most inclusive club on campus with 75 members (2021) and 91 members (2022). Managed and co-led a successful Armenian Cultural Day featuring a guest speaker and a performance by an Armenian dance group. Initiated QR code for easy registration. Designed high-demand club sweaters. Organized several bake sale fundraisers. Engage members with bi-weekly meetings and informative weekly emails. Future fundraisers include a field trip to Tufenkian Fine Art in Glendale, a movie night showcasing the blockbuster The Promise, and a Tie-Dye T-shirt fundraiser.
2021-2023
Outfielder, La Salle Baseball Team (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Participated in both Varsity and Junior Varsity. Starting line up as an outfielder. Year-round training for all 4 years of participation.
2019-2023
Cashier & Server, Massis Kabob Restaurant (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Take orders and process payments; ensure the counter is neat and orderly; restock items, and answer phone calls. Skilled in resolving customer complaints patiently and professionally. Utilize English, Armenian, and Spanish language skills to communicate with customers.
2019-Present
School Supply Project (SSP),
Effectively engaged AEF donors through phone solicitations. Learned communication skills on how to develop a relationship with donors by incorporating personal stories of volunteering for SSP. Assisted in raising funds for an annual project with a goal of $20,000.
2018-2023
Armenian Educational Foundation (AEF)
Fundraising Manager (Grades 10, 11, 12)
Responsible for purchasing supplies and delivering school backpacks for rural Armenian students ages 6-17. Managed, recruited, trained, and organized student volunteers in California to pack and ship backpacks annually. Inventoried supplies upon delivery in Glendale before the commencement of packing. Advanced my public speaking skills by participating in TV interviews. As project manager since 2018, fundraised and increased the number of backpacks: 330 backpacks (2018), 350 (2019), and 470 (2020). Learned how to respond quickly to unexpected challenges. Motivated a 31-member student team to work collaboratively to meet deadlines.
Project Manager (Grade 9)
Student Ambassador, La Salle High School (Grades 11,12)
Selected for the position through a competitive process. Serve as a guide to alumni, donors, and prospective students.
2021 -2023
Executive Member, La Salle Science Club (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Organize science activities for La Salle’s Open House and other school events. Prepare engaging presentations for middle school students, which explore a range of science topics. Mentored students who participated in local and state science competitions.
2019 - 2023
Speaker, Chamlian Armenian School (Grades 11, 12)
As the former Booster Club President, recorded a video that was posted on Instagram, raising awareness for the humanitarian crisis created by the October 2020 war in Artsakh, Armenia (Grade 10). Delivered PowerPoint presentation to 60 incoming freshmen discussing the transition to high school. Encouraged students to become leaders, try new things, and take risks (11th Grade). Invited back to speak to the Class of 2023 (12th grade).
2020-2023
Summer Camp Counselor, Chamlian Armenian School (Grades 11, 12)
Led programs focused on the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence building. Supervised and taught sports skills to 40 campers ages 7-14.
Summers 2021, 2022
Education
Volunteer Ski Instructor with the Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
2022-Present
Fulfilled the following requirements: Advanced skier. Submitted Volunteer Application form. Attended winter on-snow training (November 2022). Completed SafeSports Educational curriculum. In the process of fulfilling the minimum 36-hour volunteer hour requirement. Trained in DSES adaptive equipment. Trained to prepare for lessons by reviewing Student Information Form. Trained to perform a thorough assessment of student.
