Year-round, students preparing for or entering college are consistently reminded to complete their financial aid applications. For many, financial aid is not just an option but a necessity, serving as the bridge between ambition and access to higher education.

Yet despite its importance, the process can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially for students who lack guidance with forms like FAFSA and TAP.

At SUNY Old Westbury, that guidance begins with Eliliana Martinez, the Senior Financial Aid Advisor for the Educational Opportunity Program, also known as EOP. A graduate of the university’s class of 1981, Martinez returned to the very institution that shaped her, dedicating the past 38 years to supporting students from underserved backgrounds.

“When you work in higher education and you work directly with a student like I do, you have to love what you do,” said Martinez. “You are human. You can get upset or whatever, but at the end of the day, you know your responsibility and you have to do your job.”

She has guided countless students through applications, answered urgent questions and helped transform uncertainty into a possibility.

Student appreciation is what Martinez sees as one of the most rewarding aspects of her role, particularly when students acknowledge the assistance they receive.

“When they say thank you,” said Martinez. “Thank you for your help. Thank you for helping me pay my bill. I think that’s the most rewarding thing. It’s a word I wish would be used more often because we forget it often.”

Yet behind the title and responsibilities lies a person whose story, motivations and lasting impact are often overlooked, even by those she has helped the most.

“I believe I was a good daughter,” said Martinez. “I was raised by my grandmother, aunt and father. Growing up with a huge family, in DR was hard, because my grandmother and my aunt were very harsh in their parenting. I don’t blame them; I don’t hate them. It was the opposite, as I grew older, I thanked them.”

Martinez grew up in the Dominican Republic in a large household where she was raised by her grandmother, aunt and father because she lost her mother when she was only six years old. She described her upbringing as strict and noted that her perspective on those experiences changed over time.

Regardless of that, Dominican Republic still holds a place in her life.

“I still love my country, it’s a beautiful country,” said Martinez. “The weather, you cannot beat that. Like every country, it has problems, but there’s nothing I can do there.”

Outside of SUNY Old Westbury, Martinez is dedicated to to her faith.

“I’m very active in my church,” said Martinez. “We are in holy week, it’s a busy week. When you are a server, there is a lot to do.”

And she is also dedicated to her loved ones. 

“When I’m not in church, I spend time with the family,” said Martinez. “I go out sometimes with my family, we take turns taking each other to lunch, breakfast, or dinner.”

This aspect is something that has been with her ever since she was young.

“When I was young, I was never a party person,” said Martinez. “I always made sure to spend time with my family. You never know how long you have.”

As Martinez considers retirement after 38 years of service, her work remains reflected in the students she has assisted throughout her time at SUNY Old Westbury.

“I believe I am still doing a good job,” said Martinez. “But everything must come to an end. Thirty-eight years. I think I have done enough.”