Issue link: http://georgiancollege.uberflip.com/i/1531322
17 GEORGIANVIEW DIGITAL WINTER 2024-25 2024 PREMIER'S AWARDS "I'm so thankful to my professors, who encouraged me and kept me motivated even when I wanted to give up. The classes and field placements helped me discover my strengths and weaknesses while developing my skills and applying my life experiences to prepare me for my new career path." Following graduation, Martin continued her mission to make a difference in the lives of others with the launch of her home-care business, Touch-a-Heart Home-care, in 2015—a labour of love that, through the many awards and recognitions it has received over the years, has set the standard for compassionate and high-quality home care across the region. As she grew her new business, the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic would put Martin's skills to the test like never before—and she and her team of PSWs bravely rose to the challenge. In addition to creating training materials for caregivers and home-care aides, Touch-a-Heart provided assistance in local retirement and nursing homes, as well as in people's homes, and was one of five healthcare agencies to form on-call emergency teams for deployment to COVID-affected areas. A lifelong volunteer, Martin now draws upon her journey to inspire young professionals and future PSWs as she devotes time to mentoring Georgian students. And despite starting her healthcare career later in life, Martin's impact in that short time is undeniable, demonstrating that, as frightening as it can sometimes be, it's never too late to make a change—especially with Georgian there to provide the skills and support needed to succeed. "I never thought I'd return to school, let alone at 59 years old. But Georgian allowed me the opportunity to learn new skills, connect with new people and do things I never thought possible." | Holly Martin (class of 2014) Personal Support Worker (PSW) | Jama Maxie (class of 2020) Social Service Worker and 2024 Premier's Awards nominee in the Recent Graduate category. Visit our website to read more stories about our incredible nominees of past and present—including this year's Recent Graduate nominee Jama Maxie (class of 2020), who has overcome significant life hurdles to achieve impressive academic goals and become an advocate for child welfare reform. Celebrating the CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR GRADUATES