Still, the first few weeks of class were difficult – imagine trying to grasp concepts in a language you only half understand. “I had a dictionary in one hand and my text book in the other,” he says. “It was certainly the biggest challenge of my life.”

At first, he stayed with relatives in the Los Angeles area, but for most of his matriculation, he lived on his own. There were lonely times as he ventured out, but today, he says the key was landing his first job at the American Language and Culture Program (ALCP). He translated the ALCP Web site into Arabic so that prospective students abroad could navigate the site and learn about the program. For the past two years, he has helped students as a TA for accounting and business classes in the M.B.A. program, and he has been a part of the Accounting Society since he came to campus. He served as vice president of the organization for the Spring and Fall 2005 semesters. It was during his semester as vice president that he coordinated the annual volunteer tax preparation program held on campus.

Whether it was helping students understand topics as a TA or breaking down the complexities of the tax code for the needy, Arakelian has always focused on helping others. Add that on top of taking a full course load in a third language and working 20 hours per week, though, and his schedule begs the question of when he rested. “That’s a very good question,” he says with a laugh. “Really, my time here has been all about studying and working. But hopefully after I take the CPA exam and once I get going in my full-time career with Gumbiner Savett, Inc., I will be able to do some of the things I’ve wanted to do since coming to this country.”

On that short list is traveling to places such as Boston and San Francisco. “I’ll spend no long weekends at home,” he promises. “I want to travel and see this beautiful country as much as time and money will allow.”

His parents traveled from Syria for commencement, and it certainly was a proud moment for the entire family. Yet Arakelian is quick to deflect any praise by putting it back on others such as Kenneth Poertner, director of graduate programs, for whom he was the TA, and other professors such as Don Barnett, professor of accounting and finance. “I worked hard, but they also helped me. Without them, life would have been a lot tougher,” he says.

Of course, this deliberate and determined graduate also has a long-term plan. After passing the CPA exam, he expects to work as a CPA for at least five years before moving into corporate finance. And though he’s looking forward to launching his full-time career, he quickly admits that he will miss CSUDH. “I’m grateful and thankful for all that CSUDH has done for me. Really, I consider this place home,” he says.