Sona Simonyan

Sona Simonyan

Kindergarten Teacher Assistant 

Education

  • BA in Linguistics and Journalism, Yerevan State Linguistic University after V. Brusov, Yerevan, Armenia
  • MA in Multimedia Journalism, Georgian Institute of Public Affairs, Tbilisi, Georgia 

Bio

I was born in Gyumri, Armenia, in 1992. At 16, I moved to Yerevan to pursue higher education. Initially passionate about languages, especially English, I enrolled in a linguistics university, but soon found myself studying journalism, a shift that marked the beginning of a new journey. Although classical journalism never fully resonated with me, it equipped me with essential skills that eventually led me to my true passion: documentary filmmaking and video editing.

This path took me to Tbilisi, where I studied multimedia journalism and discovered the creative and emotional depth of storytelling through film. Over the past 10 years, I have created dozens of short documentaries, video reports, and one feature-length film. In recent years, my work has also intersected with education, using filmmaking as a tool to explore Armenia and connect with the lives and perspectives of teenagers.

I recently joined DIS as a kindergarten teacher assistant, opening an exciting new chapter in my journey.

What is the favourite part of the course you teach?
Spending time with the kids. It is where I learn something new every day. 

Which teaching method you prefer and why? 
I prefer observing and assisting, as it allows me to understand each child’s unique rhythm.   

Who is your role model or mentor or who inspires you?
Life itself inspires me, with all its unpredictability, beauty, and the quiet lessons it offers every day. 

What is your life motto?
Be present in your life. 

What are the three things you can't imagine your life without?
My family, films and tasty food. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Stare into nothingness and think in silence.