On the surface, Greta Martin is like any typical college student. She loves to shop at the mall, watch movies, hang out with her friends and volunteer.

But delve a little deeper, and youll find that this 22-year-old West Virginia University graduate student from the small town of Core is anything but typical.

Not onlywas she a PROMISE Scholar, Martinwas also a McNair Scholar and the 2006 outstanding senior in WVU s Division of Social Work.

The first-generation college student graduated magna cum laude (with high honors) this past May with a degree in social work and will begin work on a dual masters degree program in social work and public administration this fall at WVU .

As an undergraduate, Martin served as a resident assistant for three years and helped start the community service club in Boreman Hall. She is also an active volunteer at community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Bartlett House and the Ronald McDonald House.

If life wasnt busy enough, Martin comes from a very large family, adding to her frenzied lifestyle. She is the eldest of nine children, seven of whom are adopted.

Were all very close, and everyone was always treated the same,she said.

Having such a large family keeps life interesting. Her dad was forced to build a dining room table to keep up with the growing household.

Despite the size, her parents were always able to make each child feel special.

I had to help out a lot babysitting, but Mom always made time for me,Martin said.We even took a cruise to Mexico together, just the two of us.

The task of going on family trips when ones family is the size of a baseball team would seem like a huge undertaking, but Martin said the trips were always memorable.

It was fun growing up,she recalled.We went on vacations to places like Ocean City, Md., in our RV or our 15-passenger van. One time we even camped from West Virginia to Yellowstone all in one summer.

Martin feels like social work is a good fit for her personality and hopes her past experiences will give her an edge in her career.

Since most of my siblings were adopted, I thought a career in social work working with adoptions was something I wanted to do,she said.I have seen firsthand how the adoption process works and feel like I can give people help and advice from my own experiences.

Martin credits her upbringing and passion for learning for her success.

My parents are laid-back, but goal-oriented,she said.Once I get my mind on something, Im going to meet that goal.

One of her goals was to experience new things in college. Growing up just outside of Morgantown, she attended a 7-12 high school that had 450 students.

And experience new things she did. During her freshman year at WVU , Martin spent 10 days in Italy, where she saw the sights and experienced a culture worlds away from the one she knew.

Martin also had the opportunity to study abroad last summer at the University of Liverpool, where she was able to take weekend trips to Northern Ireland, Germany, Belgium and Holland.

Martin has been lucky enough to have several WVU mentors and professors who have provided encouragement along the way. She said her adviser in the social work program, Nancy Lohmann, was the driving force behind her success.

Whenever Ive needed anything, shes been there,Martin said.

The McNair Scholars Program, which assists first-generation and minority college students in preparing for graduate education, has also been a source of encouragement for Martin, who says that Director Anita Mayer and Assistant Director Betty Mei provided support and guidance for her during her time in the program.

They really helped me get ready for grad school and were always there for me,she said.

As for the future, Martin said she would love the opportunity to travel to Greece, Alaska or Paris.

Like a lot of other college students, she isnt exactly sure of whats ahead of her, but she knows she wants to help others.

I hope I can make an impactchange things or help people,she said.