Piedmont Technical College student Princetta Richmond seizes second chance by striving to help others

It’s an amazing comeback story.

Nine years and 11 surgeries after being hit by a forklift at work, Princetta Richmond of Ware Shoals is close to earning an Associate in Applied Science degree with a major in Human Services from Piedmont Technical College (PTC). She proudly states that she will be 62 when she graduates next spring, quite a bit older than her classmates and even many of her professors.

It hasn’t been easy. The accident left her with a lot of pain, and she even had to learn how to walk again. Purpose, positivity and her family motivated her to keep going.

“I got a second chance at life,” said Richmond, “and I’m here to serve.”

This determination to help others is what drew Richmond to PTC’s Human Services program. The degree prepares students for a variety of “helping professions,” such as case workers, community organizers, family support workers, alcohol counselors, halfway house counselors and activities assistants.

Richmond is already active as a juvenile arbitrator with the Eighth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, a certified volunteer ombudsman with the Upper Savannah Area Agency on Aging and a volunteer with A Place for Us Ministries, the Hodges-Cokesbury Fire Department and Freely Help in Ware Shoals. On campus, she is a Presidential Ambassador, president of the Human Services Club, Inter-Club Council (ICC) representative and a volunteer in the Hope Pantry. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Amicae Greenwood.

Kristi Byrd, academic program director for Human Services, said Richmond puts the same energy and positivity into her studies and into volunteer work on campus and in the community.

“There’s nothing that I’ve ever asked her to do that she hasn’t done,” she said. “She’s talked to classes about her experiences. She’s been a great representative of our program. She shows other students what can be done.”

Byrd said she often sends students to talk with Richmond and sends students who may be in need to see Richmond at the Hope Pantry, which is open to students, faculty and staff members who face basic needs insecurities.

“I know she will listen to them without judgment and get them the help they need,” Byrd said.

School, family and activities keep Richmond busy, but she enjoys the challenge and manages it by remaining positive.

“I feel like I have a lot to offer,” she said. “As a student, a mother, and a Presidential Ambassador, I try to lead by example.

“I would like to let everyone know that my children are my biggest supporters. They always encourage me to keep it moving because there’s no limit to what I can do.”

Richmond has three children, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. During her time at PTC, she’s had the opportunity to attend classes with her daughter, two granddaughters, and her grandson. She laughs at the memory of her math professor’s shock when the young man sitting beside her in class called her Grandma.

“I’m proud that I instilled the love of learning in my family,” she said.

“I was a little intimidated to come back to school at my age, but I knew what I wanted,” Richmond said. “Everyone here has shown that they care; that they want students to be successful. I’m thankful and grateful to PTC for the opportunities they have given me and for the scholarships I received from the PTC Foundation and Student Support Services.”

“It’s been an awesome journey,” she said. “And I look forward to what’s ahead.”

After graduation, Richmond wants to become a case manager and work with juveniles. Her plans also include earning a certification in equine therapy and a master’s degree.

“Maybe I’ll go all the way to Ph.D.,” she said.

To learn more about the Human Services program at PTC and other areas of study, visit www.ptc.edu/academics/areas-study.