Mary started learning English at twelve in her Armenian school in Cairo. She was fluent at her graduation from an English High school. Six years after working as secretary in private companies, in English or French, she moved to Alexandria to accept employment with the United Nations. She sent her first newsworthy article, after her travel to Lahore, to the “Arev” Armenian daily in Cairo. Writing became a sideline during her itinerant life in Congo, Togo and Lebanon. She toured Europe, Middle East and Africa before moving to New York where she pursued higher education at Columbia University, hoping to major in Comparative Literature. Adverse circumstances moved her to Los Angeles with her baby. She attended evening school to obtain a degree in Business Administration, a more reliable profession for earning income than writing. After early retirement her award-winning "The Immigrants’ Daughter", was published in 2005. The book is a compendium of memories growing up in Cairo, particularly during the most rebellious years of her life. Terzian’s second book, "Politically Homeless, a Five-Year Odyssey across Three Continents", has been out since July 2015, depicting the tribulations she went through to achieve her goal. Sister Visitation had taught her:“I can and I will.” It was the maxim that guided her throughout life. In "The Immigrants’ Daughter" Terzian comes across as a subdued individual, whereas in Politically Homeless she is in charge of her life and pursuing her dreams relentlessly. "You are an inspiration," is a familiar phrase which agrees with her purpose to write the book: to encourage the underprivileged to pursue their dreams and find their real self underneath the mask. After all, we know our naked personality better than anybody else. Additional information on her writing career is available at: www.Maryterzian.com; www.Authorsden.com/maryterzian; Https://whittierwriters.wordpress.com/author/mary terzian; She is active on Facebook and linkedin.     

Achievements:

- First Book. "The Immigrants' Daughter," Best
Books 2006 Award (posted at Amazon,Barnes and Noble,
other digital venues and available in bookstores on
demand.)

- Dan Poynter's 2012 Global E-Book Award

- Second Book, "Politically Homeless, a five-year Odyssey
across three continents" published by Author House in
2015. Won title of "Distinguished Professional in her
field."

Both books are available at Amazon.com in paperback and
e-book format.

- Newsletter Editor Extraordinaire, awarded in December
2000 by The Aerospace Retirees' Club.

- First prize, Armenian Allied Arts Association Contest,
English literature, Senior Division. 1992 and 1994.

- Numerous in-club awards at Aerospace Toastmasters 401
Club and at the California Writers Club, San Fernando
Valley Branch.

- PEN USA West Emerging Voices Scholarship in 2001 for an
eight month course.

- Nomination of "Distinguished Professional in Her Field"
by Women of Distinction Magazine.