Ashlyn Elliott
Human Services
Ashlyn Elliott was an honors student in high school, but she didn’t think she would have the opportunity to attend college due to financial limitations. She then found out about the SEED scholarship at 探花约啪 Tech, which allowed her to enroll and earn an associate degree in human services. Ashlyn is now center director at the Milton CHEER Center and has aspirations to continue her education. Her ultimate goal is to earn a doctoral degree and become a geriatric psychologist so she can help individuals with transitioning into late-life memory issues including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Q: What led you to make the decision to attend 探花约啪 Tech?
“My senior year of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. I always wanted to go to college, although I had no idea what I wanted to study. When college application time came around, I was defeated that college wasn’t in the picture for me because I come from a family that had just enough to make ends meet. Then somehow 探花约啪 Tech SEED got mentioned in the mix. I was an honors student in high school, so the maintained GPA requirement for SEED was something I could do. The SEED program is the reason I even had a chance at college. 探花约啪 Tech was the place to be and that’s how my journey started.”
Q: Why did you choose your major?
“Growing up as a 4-Her and Girl Scout drew me closer to my community. Volunteering is very common amongst these two groups, but what I came to love through those moments was helping our elders. When the time came to choose where I would like to focus my education, it was no doubt that human services was where God wanted me. Learning to serve and help those who can’t help themselves has always been something so special to me.”
Q: Describe your first day at 探花约啪 Tech. What was that experience like?
“My first day at 探花约啪 Tech was nerve-wracking for me. I was always someone who cared what others think. I sat in the class quiet, not participating or acknowledging my surroundings. Although the people brought together in that classroom immediately brought me out of my shell. Instead of sitting silently for the rest of class, I felt welcomed and participated. This experience of transformation in the first day was so powerful. Having people with the same dreams and directions in a classroom is so magical, and it’s all for one mission, to help.”
Q: What was your most valuable experience from your time as a student at 探花约啪 Tech?
“My most valuable experience from my time as a student at 探花约啪 Tech is the hands-on experience with real life situations. I had the opportunity to shadow a senior center director at CHEER in Georgetown in fall 2024 and I also had the privilege of doing some outreach work there in spring 2025. This experience better prepared me for the emotions and challenges that come with a human service job. Without the internships, I would not be as knowledgeable and prepared in the field as I am today.”
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time at 探花约啪 Tech?
“My favorite memory and experience was my Directed Practice class. I got the chance to see how 探花约啪 Tech changed my classmates through the internship process. Students were offered jobs through their internship, including myself. It was so wonderful that us as students encouraged each other to keep on going no matter how tough it was. We pushed ourselves and reached for the stars and I gained some great friends.”
Q: What is your job title now?
“I am the Milton CHEER Center, Center Director. I also am a part time Nursing Assistant at Pam Health Rehabilitation of Georgetown.”
Q: How did 探花约啪 Tech prepare you for your career?
“探花约啪 Tech and Dr. Malinda Hudson shaped me as a student, a professional, and as a person. My time at 探花约啪 Tech prepared me for real-world situations and real-world people. No matter how heavy and deep the learning was, we needed it to know what to expect. Dr. Hudson taught me that age is just a number and does not limit your capabilities. This being said, I was embarrassed to be the younger one in my class, but she always reassured that I was just as important. Dr. Hudson showed me my purpose and told me I will change lives. And here I am changing lives with the population I love most at Milton CHEER. I get to do what I love because of 探花约啪 Tech and the internship program.”
Q: What is your advice for prospective students joining 探花约啪 Tech?
“Find something to study that you have a passion for, but if you don’t know explore. You’ll never know your capabilities if you limit yourself. Reach for the stars and work hard. God has a purpose for you, even if you don’t see it yet.”
Q: What are your future goals?
“My future goals are to attend Wilmington University to obtain my bachelor’s degree in behavior science, then move onward with a master’s in geriatrics psychology and a Doctorate in Psychology in hopes of becoming a geriatric psychologist to help elders with transitioning into late-life memory issues including Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
