The Osher Lifelong Institute (OLLI) recognizes Social Work student, Mirna Martinez
The Osher Lifelong Institute (OLLI) at George Mason University has awarded a Mirna Martinez a $1,000 scholarship for her academic achievement and community involvement. Martinez, a junior studying Social Work, is a proud first-generation college student from Manassas with a passion for serving her community.
“Receiving the award was an honor for me,” she says about the scholarship. “I want to help and inspire others who are also pursuing higher education as a first gen student.” When she read OLLI’s mission statement to provide affordable learning experiences for retired individuals, Martinez readily applied for the scholarship. She is passionate about pursuing her degree in social work and is considering a career as a geriatric social worker so that she can help individuals adjust and cope with any experiences they have after retirement.
“I want to help and inspire others who are also pursuing higher education as a first gen student," says Mirna Martinez, a Social Work student.
Martinez is also an active member of her community. She has volunteered at the Northern Virginia Family Service for about a year, leading children’s activities at the SERVE Family Shelter until the pandemic halted her service.
OLLI provides scholarships to exceptional Mason students as a way of showing gratitude to George Mason University for all of the support the university provides its lifelong learning program. Members of OLLI generously fund the scholarship through the Friends of OLLI Fund to financially support Mason students
Founded in 1991, OLLI is one of the leading lifelong learning institutes in the nation. It largely relies on the work of capable volunteers for its programming. OLLI Mason provides a variety of educational, social and cultural opportunities for active seniors throughout the Northern Virginia community.