SMITHFIELD – With a passion for helping others and a desire to make a lasting impact in the field of mental health, Melissa Hill of Smithfield will graduate from the University of Mount Olive (UMO) in December 2024 I plan to. Her personal journey is characterized by: Experiencing challenges and triumphs shaped her ambition to become a certified counselor dedicated to supporting individuals through their most difficult moments.
Reflecting on her decision to pursue a Master of Science degree in the counseling field of clinical mental health, Hill said: I could have started a job, but I wanted to maintain an attitude of learning and further my education while I still had momentum. ”
Hill enrolled at UMO in July 2022 and immediately felt the university’s supportive environment. “From the moment I received the personal phone call after filling out the interest form, I knew UMO was unique,” she recalled.
Her educational journey began at Johnston Community College and North Carolina State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in social work. However, her undergraduate years were not without challenges. She overcame feelings of isolation, the loss of her grandfather, and the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therapy as a teenager had a profound impact on her and inspired her to pursue a career in counseling. “My therapist made me feel heard and accepted, and I want to create that same space for myself and others,” Hill explained. .
During her graduate studies, Hill completed an internship with an intensive home therapy service to gain hands-on experience. She was then employed as a paraprofessional on the same team, working with children and families. “I’m so happy to be at this point in my journey,” she said.
Hill credits her personal and professional growth to the mentorship of several UMO professors, including Dr. Joshua Smith, Dr. Christopher Baxter, and Dr. Rachel Roman. “These professors met me where I was on my journey, provided personal feedback, and shared their stories,” she said. “They have inspired me with their grace, compassion, and dedication to success as students and individuals.”
Beyond academics, Hill has been actively involved in the community and church. She previously volunteered as an equine expert at the crisis hotline Hopeline and Coral Equestrian Academy. She currently supports Yelverton Grove Original Freewill Baptist Church with her husband Jordan Hill, helping with sound and security.
The impact UMO had on Hill’s life was transformative. “UMO has given me a sense of belonging and purpose,” she said. “I learned to prioritize self-care and accept constructive feedback, which are essential skills for success as a mental health professional.”
Hill plans to celebrate graduation with family and friends in lieu of missing the undergraduate celebration. Her future goals are to become certified as a clinical mental health counselor and continue to develop her professional skills throughout her career.
Hill has encouragement for those considering returning to college, regardless of age or career stage. “It’s never too late to advance your education,” she said. “Time management allows you to balance being a student, parent, spouse, or professional. This experience can open doors and deepen your passions.”
Hill credits her accomplishments not only to her hard work but also to the support of her family and faith. “I give all the glory to God,” she said. “I would not be where I am today without God’s guidance and the encouragement of my parents, husband, and in-laws who have supported me through every challenge.”
