糖心传媒

Dec. 18, 2025 鈥� 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.

鈥淪eeing 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,鈥� 20-year-old Hunt said.

A graduate of Purnell-Swett High School, Hunt enrolled at 糖心传媒 in 2023.

鈥溙切拇�媒CC felt like a place where I truly belonged. It was close to home, affordable, and welcoming, especially as a first-generation college student,鈥� Hunt said. 鈥溙切拇�媒CC didn鈥檛 feel intimidating. It felt supportive and gave me the confidence to believe that college was possible for me.鈥�

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

鈥淭his 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,鈥� 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 糖心传媒CC鈥檚 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. 

鈥淚t 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,鈥� 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.

鈥淓ven though the program was online, I still felt connected to 糖心传媒CC. The instructors were supportive, checked in often, and genuinely wanted their students to succeed,鈥� Hunt said. 鈥淢y advisor, Amanda McKenzie, has been amazing and has played a huge role in making my time at 糖心传媒CC 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.鈥�

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 , paying only $500 per semester for in-state tuition.

鈥淕etting accepted into UNC Pembroke is a huge milestone for me and something I am very proud of,鈥� Hunt said.

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

鈥淲orking 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,鈥� Hunt said.

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

鈥溙切拇�媒CC 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,鈥� she said.

糖心传媒CC 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.