For Olivia Martin-Johnson (SFS’26), the world has never felt distant.
Growing up in Miami, Florida, she was surrounded by a blend of cultures and languages that shaped her early understanding of global interconnectedness. At SFS, that foundation evolved into something more expansive—a commitment to understanding the complexities of international politics through lived experience.
As an international politics (IPOL) major with a concentration in foreign policy, Martin-Johnson sought a path that would allow her curiosity to remain unrestricted. “I chose my major because of my wide range of interests within international politics and my desire to not limit my curiosity,” she explains.
That openness would become a defining feature of her Georgetown journey.
A curiosity that crosses borders
Instead of engaging with global issues through coursework alone, Martin-Johnson pursued opportunities that brought her directly into the environments she studied.
Her experiences span multiple continents and institutions—from internships at the U.S. Department of State and the Embassy of Spain to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya—each offering a new perspective. Yet, it was the immersion itself that left the deepest impact.
“These experiences are truly the best times of my life,” she reflects. “Being on the ground taught me not only how to work, but how to live in completely unfamiliar environments—with people I had never met, in countries I had never been to and often in languages I did not speak.”
At UNEP’s Global Climate Fund office, Martin-Johnson worked to monitor the effectiveness of funding allocated to climate projects. In Amman, Jordan, she interned at the Jordan Health Aid Society International in the Zaatari Refugee Camp, where she conducted research and examined the relationship between climate change and gender-based violence. The project ultimately led to a published article co-authored with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In Tokyo, she contributed to refugee support efforts through grant writing and English-Japanese translation work with Japan Emergency NPO.
“It develops life skills you cannot learn in a classroom,” she says. “You learn how to build relationships outside your comfort zone, and it gives you a sense of adventure and curiosity that stays with you.”
Mentorships and meaningful connections
Aside from her global experiences, many of Martin-Johnson’s most meaningful connections were formed closer to campus.
She credits Professor Elizabeth Grimm as one of her most impactful mentors, describing a relationship that extends beyond traditional academic guidance: “From the start, she went beyond the role of professor—becoming a genuine friend who consistently checks in on me and advocates for my best interests.”
Through regular meetings, personal conversations and shared moments outside the classroom, Grimm became both a mentor and a trusted confidant. “What makes our relationship especially meaningful are the personal touches like going for an off-campus walk with her dog and those small moments that foster real connection while maintaining professionalism,” Martin-Johnson says.
Other mentors, including Advising Dean Jeanette Llorens and Professor John Mullen, played similarly important roles in shaping her experience. From lunches to ongoing support and advice, these relationships reinforced the sense of community that Martin-Johnson found at Georgetown.
A classroom that challenges and transforms
Among her academic experiences, one class stands out: Writing for Security Professionals, taught by Grimm.
The course combined rigorous writing workshops with interactive, thought-provoking exercises that challenged students to think differently about both global issues and themselves. “Half the class was serious writing, and the other half felt almost like a psychological exercise to better us individually,” Martin-Johnson says.
More broadly, she found Georgetown’s intellectual environment to be one of its most valuable aspects. Classroom discussions were not simply academic exercises but dynamic exchanges among students deeply committed to understanding foreign policy.
“What I valued most was being in rooms with people who dedicate themselves to studying these issues,” she says. “You’re constantly surrounded by individuals who challenge your thinking and expose you to new perspectives.”
Lessons in perspective
Looking back, Martin-Johnson recognizes that her approach to learning evolved significantly over time.
Like many students, she initially focused on meeting requirements and achieving strong grades. But as her experiences deepened, she began to shift her perspective—prioritizing engagement with the material itself rather than the outcomes it produced.
“It’s easy to fall into the rhythm of checking off requirements,” she says. “But the true value of a Georgetown education lies in what is actually being taught.”
Her advice to her first-year self reflects this realization: be present. Approach each class with curiosity rather than obligation. Allow the material to resonate beyond the exam.
“The knowledge fades quickly when the only goal is the grade,” she adds. “I wish I had embraced that mindset from the very beginning, because the material deserves more than to be forgotten the moment the grade is posted.”
As she prepares for life after Georgetown, Martin-Johnson’s goals remain closely tied to the experiences that shaped her.
She hopes to pursue a career in international conflict resolution and peacebuilding, with a focus on negotiation and on-the-ground engagement. For her, meaningful change requires more than policy frameworks—it demands direct interaction with the communities affected.
“My exact career goal often changes, however what has stuck with me is my interest in international relations as a form of improving lives of people around the world,” she says.
For Martin-Johnson, the most important lessons of her Georgetown experience cannot be captured in a transcript or résumé. They are found instead in the relationships she built, the challenges she embraced and the perspective she gained by stepping beyond the familiar.
“Living abroad in countries I had never visited, navigating new languages and cultures and building deep friendships outside of my comfort zone cultivated in me a sense of adventure, resilience and genuine curiosity about the world that no classroom could replicate. My experiences have prepared me to make a positive impact as I move into the next phase of my journey.”