My name is Theresa Duffey. I grew up in Halifax County, VA. When I graduated from high school, I opted to go to work instead of continuing my education. I held a variety of jobs in the secretarial field. I was a clerk/typist, legal secretary, and computer operator. In 1990, due to financial reasons, I decided to go to work in a manufacturing plant. The work was physically challenging but the pay was excellent.

     In 2000, the future of the manufacturing plant in which I was employed began to look bleak. I relocated to Roxboro, NC in search of better job opportunities. When I did not have any luck there, I decided to continue my education. I have always enjoyed working with people, especially children so I decided to pursue a degree in Human Services. Even though I knew what I wanted to do, I was pessimistic about starting college at thirty-three years of age. With the help of my counselor and instructors, I adjusted easily. Even though it was often a struggle to keep up with a full-time job and college, I thoroughly enjoyed my classes.

     The Human Services program changed my outlook and opinion on many issues as well as broadened my knowledge of Human Services. Where in the beginning I was determined to work with children, I soon found that I enjoy working with a vast majority of people. I worked with the elderly during both of my internships and found that I enjoy this type of work.

     In 2002, I lost my job due to the company closing. I put all of my time and effort into my degree and graduated in May 2003. I am proud of my many accomplishments at PCC. I managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA, was nominated and accepted as a PCC Ambassador, was selected into Who’s Who Among American Junior Colleges, and received the Academic Excellence Award.

     Since this time, I have continued to work with the elderly. I work six days a week providing assistance and care to an elderly person. This spring, I will be continuing my education at PCC and through an online program at Empire State College. I plan to continue working while obtaining my bachelors degree. I am looking forward to my future internships, hopefully with children and the mentally challenged. I still have dreams of becoming a social worker with Child Protective Services but who knows what I may end up doing since the Human Services field offers such a wide variety of choices.

Update on Theresa Duffey:

 
I graduated from Piedmont Community College in May 2003 with a dual degree in Human Services Technology. Now, I am pursuing a degree in Community and Human Services at Empire State College. I currently have a 4.0 GPA and plan to complete my degree in December 2006.

I am employed at Halifax County Department of Social Services as a Social Worker Aide. I work closely with the foster care social workers. My job involves everything from transporting foster children to supervising visits.

Making the decision to pursue a degree in Human Services was one of the best decisions I have made. I thoroughly enjoy my job and look forward to becoming a social worker!