66 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL RETIREMENT SUPPLEMENT I learned about OLLI’s continuing education program at American University and joined as an instructor. Bargeron says his biggest surprise at OLLI has been “the reward of volunteering.” Volunteers “do much, if not most, of the heavy lifting, from serving as allimportant study group leaders (teachers) to manning the many committees such as curriculum, lecture, development, finance, social, membership, and strategic planning.” Bargeron started small, assisting the study group leader in his classes. From there he was asked to serve on several special committees before joining OLLI’s board and eventually becoming the board’s chair, responsible for a 1,600-member organization. “This was new territory for someone who had served in a highly structured federal environment for nearly 40 years,” he says. “But I took the plunge, and it has turned out to be one of the most rewarding periods of my life. I often point out that OLLI is more than classes and lectures—it is a community. I learned that the best way to the heart of that community is to give back by volunteering.” High-Caliber Discussion After 30 years in the Foreign Service, Xenia Wilkinson retired and earned a PhD in Latin American history at Georgetown University. Having served in Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, and at the U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States, Wilkinson was interested in studying the region through an academic lens. “Post-retirement, I devoted several years to academic research as well as travels with my husband, Ted, also a retired FSO,” Wilkinson told me. “After Ted passed away in 2015, I knew that my plans and dreams had to change.” At the recommendation of another FSO colleague, Wilkinson turned to OLLI to help her through this difficult time. She explored OLLI study groups on history and literature and took advantage of opportunities to learn about finance, estate planning, and technology. She enjoyed it so much that she became a study group leader herself, starting with the history of the Amazon and other Latin American subjects. “I am always impressed with the caliber of our study group discussions,” Wilkinson says. “OLLI attracts retired professionals who participate actively in discussions in which we learn from each other’s perspectives. It’s a great place to learn, to teach, and to make new friends!” A Whole New World We know how critical mental health is to physical health, and as we get older and begin to slow down physically, we can keep our minds active and alert by learning new things, exchanging ideas with others, and participating in intellectually expanding discussions. There is a whole new world forming around us—so much to learn and to know. Enjoy these golden retirement years by finding a lifelong learning program near you and building a fuller, richer life. n OWLS: ISTOCKPHOTO/TOPVECTORS
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