Sisters Chart Their Own Paths in CHHS

Two sisters, Mary and Emily Hull, are both charting distinct paths within the College of Health and Human Services towards the shared goal of helping others. Both set to graduate in May, Mary is pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) and Emily is completing her RN to BSN degree in the School of Nursing.

Mary is a first year MSW student on the macro track and is focusing her studies on child advocacy and systemic change in education. Through her placement at D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, a K-8 school, Mary works in a Title I environment which allows her to witness firsthand the disparities present in the public education system. “Using my voice to advocate for underserved populations and children is what drivers me,” Mary says.

Originally, Mary planned to pursue law school before discovering that the social work field offered her a more hands-on approach toward social justice. “I can’t solve all the issues in the public education system, but I will be using my voice to advocate toward meaningful change,” she says. Mary hopes to work in schools, nonprofits and policy spaces to build a diverse career focused on improving systems and expanding opportunity.

In contrast to Mary, Emily Hull’s career focuses on providing direct patient care. Currently working night shifts while pursuing her bachelor’s degree, she gains hands-on experience from a step-down hospital unit, where she provides care to patients recovering from major medical procedures.

Emily’s decision to pursue nursing came from a combined interest in her desire to improve people’s lives and her coursework in anatomy and health-related subjects. According to Mary, “Emily has a natural ability to connect with patients. This offers a real sense of nurturing and care during some of the most difficult moments in patients’ lives.”

Mary and Emily credit their parents with instilling in them a strong sense of care for others and a calling to give back to their community. They work in professions that provide aid to others—social work and law enforcement. “We can easily see the through line between what values our parents instilled in us and the careers that we ended up going into. We’re deeply grateful to them,” Mary says.

Reflecting on their experiences at UNCW, Mary says “Emily and I have had really supportive professors and staff who have really seen their potential. I don't want people to think just because they might not look like the typical UNCW student that these opportunities aren't there for them.”