Summary

• Gassia Berberian, Marketing Manager for the Lebanon Branch, Samsung Electronics Levant, makes the most out of the spare leftover currency she finds in her pocket thanks to an enriching pastime – coin collecting
• Coin collecting is an ancient and multifaceted hobby with a diverse range of goals – in Berberian’s case, to widen her multicultural understanding
• Berberian has turned the many trips she takes abroad into an opportunity to expand her collection
• With each addition to her collection, Berberian gains a new piece of insight into another culture’s behaviors – an element crucial to fruitful communication

Coin collecting, a practice stretching back to the 3^rd century BC, is one of the oldest hobbies in the world. Thanks to the modest proportions and portability of the objects concerned, as well as the prevalence of all different types of currencies the world over, it is also one of the simplest, and least time-consuming, past-times. Actors Joan Crawford, Kate Hudson and James Earl Jones, and even 32^nd President of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt, have participated in this low-effort yet wholly rewarding hobby.

Another amateur collector is Gassia Berberian, Marketing Manager, Lebanon Branch, Samsung Electronics Levant. But for Berberian, this numismatic (a term referring to the study or collection of coins) pastime is more than just a cosmetic interest in coinage. Currencies from around the world hold a value beyond currency; to Berberian, these pieces of metal represent pieces of each country’s culture that are not to be underestimated.

The Hobby of Kings

Coin collection is a pastime with an illustrious history. During the 15^th and 16^th centuries, ancient coin collection became a ‘hobby of the kings’, as national figureheads all over the world aimed to establish themselves by possessing the most distinguished collections of minted coinage around. Beyond their rarity or fiscal value, coins have always provided remarkably accessible insights into cultural history, be it ancient or modern.

Today, the pastime is still going strong among amateurs and serious collectors worldwide. Some collect to acquire sets featuring notable figures or dates; others look for artistic themes and trends from across the ages; and others, like Berberian, seek deeper cultural understanding with each unique addition to their personal collections.

Many casual coin collectors often begin their hobby by saving notable coins found by chance – be it change found in a pocket following an international trip, or an old coin spotted in circulation. Berberian’s interest began back when she was a teenager and taking her first steps into international travel; “For me, a coin is the best souvenir I can save from a country.”

A small part of Berberian’s impressive foreign coin collection

Coins offer a starting point to learning and understanding a country’s culture. For Berberian, the coins in her collection serve as physical reminders of the cultural interactions she’s had at each country. They also often highlight important landmarks, people, and mottos which informs us about a country’s architecture, history, economy, principles, etc. For example, one of her favorite coins is the Japanese 50-yen coin which features a chrysanthemum on its reverse. The Autumn flower is the official seal of the Imperial family and represents longevity and rejuvenation, which are traits that the Japanese value.

From All Corners of the World

While her interest in collecting coins from all around the world began in her youth, it was not properly compounded until she joined Samsung in July 2016. Traveling to other countries is a bit more frequent now (for her and/or her colleagues); at the end of her very first business trip, Berberian found herself the proud owner of a variety of different coins, and from then on out her hobby blossomed.

Rule number one in developing her collection, for Berberian, is no buying online. She boosts her collection through her own travels and is also grateful to her friends and colleagues for passing on their loose change following trips abroad.

Collecting coins provides Berberian not only pride of ownership, but with a sense of personal accomplishment; “I like observing the differences in design, shape, color and content of each coin,” she notes. “My hobby has enhanced my appreciation of art and my knowledge of history, geography and politics.”

Berberian’s collection continues to grow. Berberian’s Samsung Galaxy AR Emoji is visible on the mug in the background

The Currency of Communication

With every country visited, either by Berberian herself or her cooperative colleagues and friends, Berberian gains a new small insight into global culture. “Each coin represents a different culture and people,” observes Berberian. “At Samsung, our workplace is multicultural. I am always intrigued to find out more! Collecting coins quenches some part of my cultural thirst.”

As for the future of her collection, Berberian looks forward to taking its presentation to the next level. “One day I will display these coins in a unique and creative way. Maybe I’ll cover a full wall back at home with them!”. For the time being, she will keep growing her collection and continue experiencing what she describes as one of the key life lessons from her hobby; “That there is more to life than meets the eye – literally!”

Three of Berberian’s favorite coins from her collection, each with their own unique design and cultural references

We all have our own ways of remembering and commemorating the places we visit and the experiences we have there. Berberian and her commitment to commemorating each new place she encounters takes this to the next level, as it is ambition that drives her to keep learning and expanding her collection. For those looking to similarly immerse themselves in other cultures through a new hobby, Berberian is positive that you, too, will find success; “Go ahead!” she notes, “It’s never too late.”

While a considerable proportion of the students at the refugee camp attend schools established by the Jordanian government, there are many who receive no formal schooling. The situation of these out-of-school children strikes at the heart of Samsung’s goals to provide equal opportunities in education to underserved communities and easier access to information and technology.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the smart schools offer students an engaging and creative approach to learning. The interactive learning environments give students the chance to learn about a variety of technology-related topics which will help them unleash their potential and creativity, including modern languages, social media, photography, filmmaking, art and painting.

The two smart schools are housed within Makani centers, which offer alternative education opportunities to those aged between 5 and 24. Founded by UNICEF, Makani centers emphasize a holistic approach for Syrian children and youths who have struggled with formal education in Jordan, offering learning opportunities, psychosocial support services and life skills training. By reengaging students in their education, Makani centers can provide a bridge back to formal education.

Changsup Lee, Samsung Electronics Levant President remarked, “We have a duty as part of the local community to help improve access to education in the Zaatari Camp. Though considerable effort has already been made to improve education in the Zaatari Camp, there is more work to be done and we are excited for the partnership with Relief International. These fully equipped smart schools will provide them with an engaging educational environment, allowing them to develop valuable life skills, which will ultimately broaden their knowledge and understanding.”

“At Samsung, we believe in what technology can achieve. Technology is a source of inspiration for those kids who need to build a brighter future. The ability to innovate is a valuable tool in building a normal life and will prepare them for a better, more hopeful future.”

“We have already seen children who were disinterested in formal schooling become highly engaged in creative and meaningful projects. Based on that enthusiasm, many have found the desire to further their formal schooling as well, realizing that gives them tools to achieve their dreams,” noted Nancy Wilson, CEO of Relief International. “These smart schools will provide very powerful tools for them to be creative in more ways, increase their collaboration and strive for even bigger dreams. We are proud to be partnering with Samsung on this leadership initiative.”

Established in 2013, Samsung’s Smart School program equips classrooms in underserved communities with cutting-edge educational tools – such as PCs, tablets and electronic blackboards – to create interactive learning environments that allow students to truly thrive. As of this writing, a total of over 3,000 Smart Schools are up and running in over 90 countries around the globe.