Joanna Martyni: A Pioneer for ASSIST in Poland

Joanna Martyni has been the local Program Coordinator for ASSIST Poland for fourteen years, making her one of the longest-serving country coordinators. Her journey with ASSIST began in an unexpected yet very personal way, sparked by her daughter Julia’s ambition to study abroad and ultimately, an ASSIST scholarship. In middle school, Julia’s determination led her to scour online forums for available scholarships to study in the U.S. She encountered a Harvard student’s testimonial that ASSIST helped them stand out when applying for this prestigious university. At the time, our organization had no presence in Poland, but that did not deter Julia, who decided to reach out to ASSIST representatives in neighboring countries, ultimately applying through ASSIST Lithuania.

Julia’s persistence paid off when she was offered the Davis Scholarship, a prestigious partner program of ASSIST. However, with her plans for the future to study medicine, she realized that the costs of medical schools in the United States would still be hard to attain, so she declined the scholarship. But fate had other ideas; Julia received the ASSIST scholarship instead and accepted it for Lawrenceville School, opening doors to an extraordinary journey not just for her but also her entire family. 

For Joanna, the experience was transformative. With little information available at the time, she and her husband felt uncertain and overwhelmed, worrying about sending their daughter to spend a year abroad. A reassuring video call with ASSIST’s now President, Martin Milne, brought clarity, which allowed them to send their daughter to the United States. Yet the real turning point came when Joanna visited Julia during the holidays at her U.S. school.

Joanna recalls feeling awestruck. “The school’s grandeur, state-of-the-art facilities, and, above all, the welcoming culture were unlike anything I had seen before.” She vividly recalls moments that left her inspired: the honesty and kindness of the community, the security of personal belongings left untouched, and the vibrant dorm life filled with laughter and camaraderie.

One memory that stands out is her time spent in the school’s dormitory, where she stayed with one of the dorm moms for a few nights and soaked in the unique environment. She recalls, “it felt like being at a summer camp,” with lively chatter echoing through the halls, cosmetics strewn across bathrooms, and the boundless energy of youth. Experiencing the academic environment, homelike feeling and the happiness in the girl’s eyes had inspired her with the need to share this experience.

When Julia returned to Poland, thriving in her final years of high school, Joanna felt further compelled to share this transformative journey with others. She approached ASSIST with a simple but heartfelt request, to bring this opportunity to Poland. With admirable dedication, Joanna began visiting schools, sharing the program’s vision, and encouraging talented teenagers to apply. She was officially the first Polish Program Coordinator for ASSIST.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing from the beginning. The early years were challenging. Few Polish schools were interested, with most not understanding the program’s power. But Joanna’s persistence and ability to connect directly with students began to pay off. Over time, applications grew from just a handful to dozens each year. The Polish chapter of ASSIST flourished under her leadership, year by year, as she built a network of inspired students and supportive schools that grows each year.

A Deep Belief in Our Mission

For Joanna, ASSIST is more than an organization or a job, it’s a calling. A self-declared perfectionist, she holds everything in her life to the highest standards and feels comfortable declaring ASSIST as such, knowing from personal experience it delivers life-changing experiences. What fuels her dedication is the spark she sees in the eyes of young people—their enthusiasm, their potential, and the knowledge that she plays a part in shaping their futures.

She says, “I’m certain of this, ASSIST changes lives. The reviews from scholars each year say it all—‘This was the best year of my life.’ That’s the power of ASSIST.”

Over 14 years, Joanna has stayed in touch with the scholars whose lives have been touched by the program. She has seen them excel in their final exams, earn spots in prestigious universities worldwide, and embark on extraordinary life trajectories. No one who takes on an ASSIST scholarship is ever the same.

Words of Wisdom for Families

Joanna’s advice to potential candidates and their parents is simple: “Don’t overthink it.”

As a mother of two children who both went through ASSIST—each in vastly different environments—Joanna understands the anxieties and experiences that parents face. Her reassurance comes from her own experience and the countless success stories she has witnessed; she feels comfortable supporting other parents as she has walked in their shoes. She knows how hard it can be to let go of a child, but underlying that is the thought that such a thing should never stop someone from applying. 

Joanna emphasizes, “The time to decide comes only after your child receives the positive news. Trust the process, because the experience is real, life-changing, and absolutely worth it.”

Joanna’s testimony, built on years of personal and professional dedication, is a testament to ASSIST’s transformative power. Her passion and hard work have helped over fifty students and families in Poland discover a brighter future.