At 37 years old, Trinita Martin is proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. A business administration student at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, Martin is not only balancing her studies with running her own business, Love 101 Care, LLC, but she’s also inspiring her family—including her 20-year-old daughter, who is attending Ivy Tech alongside her. As a mother, grandmother, and entrepreneur, Martin’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and the power of education to transform lives.
“I’ve always had a passion for business,” Martin shared. “It’s about more than just owning a business; it’s about understanding every aspect of how to run one. I want to build something that not only provides opportunities for others but also creates a lasting impact.”
A Journey of Strength and Determination
Martin’s journey hasn’t been easy. She was a teen mom who graduated high school with two children.
After spending over 20 years in the nursing field as a certified nursing assistant and traveling nurse’s aide, she decided to follow her entrepreneurial passion. She founded Love 101 Care, LLC, a home care service inspired by her experiences in caregiving and the loss of her father to cancer in 2021.
Reflecting on the transition, Martin said, “Losing my father reminded me of the dreams he always believed I could achieve. His encouragement gave me the push I needed to pursue my education at Ivy Tech.”
Learning Alongside Her Daughter
For Martin, going back to school was inspired by a simple yet profound realization: it was time to prioritize her own dreams.
After spending years raising her children and working in caregiving, she decided to pursue her long-held passion for business. When her daughter chose Ivy Tech to begin her journey toward becoming a lawyer, Martin saw the perfect opportunity to take the leap alongside her.
“It felt like the right time,” Martin shared. “My daughter didn’t want to go out of state for school or start at a four-year, and I had always been drawn to Ivy Tech. Seeing her work toward her goals motivated me to start working on mine.”
Now in her second year, Martin’s daughter is studying legal studies while Martin focuses on business administration. Their shared experience of attending college together has become a source of mutual support and inspiration.
“It’s incredible to see my daughter working toward her dreams while I work toward mine,” Martin said. “We’re both proving that education is a lifelong journey. We inspire each other every day.”
The mother-daughter duo’s shared experience of attending college together highlights the intergenerational impact of education. Martin sees it as an opportunity to show her family and others that it’s never too late to achieve your goals.
Trinita Martin (left) takes a selfie with her daughter (right) who is also attending Ivy Tech Indianapolis, studying paralegal studies.
Challenges and Triumphs
As an adult learner, Martin has faced challenges, including balancing her roles as a mother, grandmother, and entrepreneur.
“Some days are tough, but I remind myself that it’s okay to take a moment and reset,” she said. Her motivation comes from her family and the belief that “the sky is the limit, no matter your age or circumstances.”
Martin has found invaluable support through Ivy Tech’s resources, such as free tutoring and the Learning Resource Center. She praised the staff and faculty, saying, “The instructors genuinely want you to succeed. They’ve been incredibly helpful in guiding me through this journey.”
Building a Legacy
Looking ahead, Martin plans to use her business administration degree to expand her home care business and establish a nonprofit organization that provides safe havens for women and children.
“I want to give back and create opportunities for others,” she explained. “Education is the foundation for everything I want to accomplish.”
Words of Encouragement
For other adult learners considering a return to education, Martin offers this advice: “Don’t let anything stop you. Believe in yourself, stay focused, and know that you can achieve your dreams at any stage of life.”
Trinita Martin’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of higher education. Her journey at Ivy Tech Indianapolis is not just about earning a degree—it’s about inspiring others to chase their dreams and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
