RichmondCC Human Services Graduate Pursuing Career Goal of Helping Children

Dec. 18, 2025 – Caitlyn Hunt of Maxton grew up in a single-parent household where her mother worked multiple jobs to support her family. From her mother, Caitlyn learned how to be strong, persevere and care for others, but she also knew she wanted more for her future.

“Seeing my mother sacrifice for our family motivated me to pursue a college degree so I could create stability, help those who need support, and give back to my family and community,” 20-year-old Hunt said.

A graduate of Purnell-Swett High School, Hunt enrolled at Richmond Community College in 2023.

“RichmondCC felt like a place where I truly belonged. It was close to home, affordable, and welcoming, especially as a first-generation college student,” Hunt said. “RichmondCC didn’t feel intimidating. It felt supportive and gave me the confidence to believe that college was possible for me.”

Hunt has a strong desire to help others and make a positive difference in people’s lives. She is especially passionate about working with children and families, so she enrolled in the Human Services program.

“This program has helped me better understand people, their struggles, and how to support them in meaningful ways. It has confirmed that this is the path I want to follow,” Hunt said.

Hunt completed her associate degree in Human Services this month. In her final semester this fall, she was able to do the work-based learning component of the Human Services program with RichmondCC’s Access to Achievement program. Access to Achievement connects students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to resources that will help them succeed in school and beyond. 

“It gave me hands-on experience while helping me develop important life and work skills like communication, responsibility and time management. This experience helped me connect what I learned in my classes to real-life situations and prepared me for my future career,” Hunt said.

Besides the work-based learning hours, the Human Services program is offered 100 percent online. This was helpful for Hunt, who had limited transportation as well as family responsibilities.

“Even though the program was online, I still felt connected to RichmondCC. The instructors were supportive, checked in often, and genuinely wanted their students to succeed,” Hunt said. “My advisor, Amanda McKenzie, has been amazing and has played a huge role in making my time at RichmondCC a wonderful experience. Her guidance, encouragement and support helped me stay on track, feel confident in my decisions and keep moving forward even during difficult moments.”

Hunt also received financial aid, which made it possible for her to attend college and focus on her studies without the burden of college debt.

Hunt has been accepted into the Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. Under a new transfer agreement, Caitlyn can transfer up to 90 credits, leaving approximately 30 credits for her to complete at UNC Pembroke. As an undergraduate student at UNC Pembroke, she will also benefit from the North Carolina Tuition Promise Plan (NC Promise), paying only $500 per semester for in-state tuition.

“Getting accepted into UNC Pembroke is a huge milestone for me and something I am very proud of,” Hunt said.

Hunt has plans to continue her education after receiving her bachelor’s degree. Her career goal is to become a play therapist in a clinical or community setting.

“Working with children has always been deeply important to me. I believe play allows children to express emotions they may not have words for, and I want to be someone who listens, understands, and supports them during those moments,” Hunt said.

Hunt has enjoyed her time at RichmondCC and would recommend the Human Services program to anyone looking for a supportive and meaningful educational experience.

“RichmondCC changed my life by giving me confidence, direction and belief in myself. It showed me that I am capable of achieving my goals and continuing to a university like UNCP,” she said.

RichmondCC is now accepting new students for the 2026 spring and summer semesters. Applications can be completed for free online. Spring semester begins Jan. 9. Call (910) 410-1700 or text (910) 518-9685 for more information.