THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 65 of topics. The give and take of mutually stimulating sessions has kept me young. Now, at age 86, I am still learning. As Atatürk, the founder of the republic of Türkiye, said: “Reading and learning never end.” The Reward of Volunteering I’m not alone at OLLI. My colleague, veteran diplomat John Bargeron, also found a new path through OLLI, where he has volunteered for years. Bargeron spent more than 35 years with State, specializing in the Middle East and transnational organized crime and serving in Jerusalem, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Managua, and as chief of the civilian observers with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO). “When I retired,” Bargeron told me, “a primary aim was to recharge my intellectual batteries. I had previously taught college history and I missed the chance to read, contemplate, and exchange ideas with peers and colleagues.” He added: “OLLI colleagues are seasoned learners at the peak of their life experiences who want to know more. They bring enormous life, professional, and other experiences to the classroom, where cross-discussions are often more compelling than lectures.” Lifelong learning is sweeping the country, and new retirees can find a wide range of opportunities for continuing education.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODIyMDU=