by Chester Tadeja
Editorial Director
When Talin Baharian came to this country, America was celebrating its birthday. Patriotic people were out in the streets rejoicing, children all around were holding sparklers and a light show of fountains was circling the night air. As colors of red, white and blue lit up and kindled the fireworks sky, Baharian sat back with her family and wondered if America was like this every night. But that was 15 years ago and Baharian knows better now.
Baharian, a senior starter for ULV women’s volleyball team who is studying business management, distinctly remembers that night she arrived at Los Angeles International airport. America was celebrating the birth of its country.
“Every July 4 is a little [family] celebration for us too,” said Baharian. “I did not know a word of English. I had no clue what was going on.”
Baharian chose ULV primarily because her sister, Aylin, who is studying political science at the Claremont Graduate School, graduated from here.
“I heard their volleyball program was really good so I applied,” she said. “I took a tour [of the campus]; one thing led to another then I got accepted.”
Baharian was born in Istanbul, Turkey, but most people see her by another ethnic definition. Baharian is exposed to and speaks three different languages when she’s at home: Turkish, Armenian and English.
“I’m American, but I consider myself Armenian,” she said.
Baharian has been a member of the volleyball team for the four years she’s been at ULV and a starter for the squad for the past two years. This year Baharian is one of two team captains and commonly plays as left side hitter.
Baharian started playing volleyball while she was in junior high school back in her homeland. It was a point for Talin do something with her life that she was good at and she felt volleyball was part of that niche.
Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Jim Paschal uses words like “dependable,” “feisty” and “team player” to describe Baharian.
“Well, right off the spot, Talin is beautiful,” said Coach Paschal. “She dresses with style and has a striking [figure]. But in the realm of volleyball, she is an overachiever who is hard-working and loyal.
“Our team has changed since she’s been here. She has helped set the tone for work and practice,” said Paschal.
“She’s been a good role model for other team members. She’s partly responsible for the commitment and harmony of the team.”
“We have a lot of talent on the team this year,” said Baharian. “[Paschal] cracks me up. But he’s a great father figure, a great person.”
Baharian has had enough of school and thinks it’s time to settle down with her fiancé of four years.
“I was 10 when I met him,” said Baharian. “I think I’m ready [for marriage] and no grad school. It’s over. Maybe I’ll get married.”
One of the most memorable moments Baharian experienced during her stay here at ULV was her nomination to this year’s Homecoming Court.
“I was shocked,” she said. “I didn’t expect it, but it was flattering.”
When Baharian graduates this year, she has no plans to permanently leave the country. However, Baharian admits she enjoys traveling.
“I’m going to miss it a lot. I’m going to miss Jim [Paschal],” said a sad-eyed Baharian. “I think I’m going to miss him more than volleyball. But, I’ll definitely come back to see the girls, to see how progress is.”
“It’s certainly been a pleasure to have her on the team for the past four years,” said Paschal. “She’ll be a good representative to this institution and a good alumna to the University.”
Chester Tadeja
