Curious about jobs in the area, she had just happened to go online to see who was hiring. Unexpectedly, there was an opening for a mental health counselor at The Ohio State University at Newark and Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) that immediately jumped out to her. She had always enjoyed working with adolescents and young adults, and the position represented an opportunity to return to the Ohio State regional campus where she attended her first year of graduate school.
When Hughett graduated from Tri-Valley in 2008, she knew she wanted to help people but wasn't certain of the path that would lead her to her goal. She randomly took a social work class during her undergraduate studies, which proved a pivotal moment for her.
Hughett recalls, "Before that class, I had never heard of social work, and I remember having a 'lightbulb' moment recognizing that this is what I was meant to do."
Connecting her goal of helping others to a career, she pursued a bachelor's degree in child and family developmental studies, graduating with honors from Ohio University Zanesville in 2012.
Reflecting on her personal challenges, Hughett's resilience shines through. She faced the heartbreaking loss of her mother, her closest confidante and best friend, in her second year of college. Determined to honor her memory, she channeled her grief into a positive outlet by immersing herself in campus life and furthering her education. Hughett enrolled in Ohio State's Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the Newark campus and then transitioned to the Columbus campus to earn her MSW in May 2015. Today, she holds an independent social worker license with a supervision designation (LISW-S) in Ohio. Her mother's unwavering support and belief in her abilities fueled Hughett's growth and self-assurance.
Though Hughett only spent a short time at the Newark campus, it was an impactful experience for her professional development. As seasoned professionals, the social work faculty shared real-life experiences and anecdotes that deeply resonated with her. They instilled in her the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in social work.
Now as a mental health counselor in the Office of Student Life's Counseling Services, she relishes the opportunity to walk alongside individuals on their mental health journeys. Her genuine and lighthearted approach creates a comfortable environment, making what may seem daunting a little less intimidating.
"I love that we offer various resources to students, some even through the Columbus campus, promoted through an intimate and friendly environment," said Hughett. "A smaller campus creates an atmosphere for staff and faculty to be more approachable and down-to-earth with their students, while students also receive an excellent education at an affordable cost."
Hughett's advice to high school graduates and adults considering a change is simple yet profound: Get involved, seek help when needed, and reach out to instructors who are there to guide and support. She emphasizes the importance of familiarizing oneself with campus resources and advocates for early intervention in the face of challenges.
"Ohio State Newark has made a huge difference in my life. I love that I was not only a student here, but things have come full circle for me as I am now a full-time employee working with students on campus," Hughett remarked.