September 12, 2024
By Emma Godwin, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern
Golden LEAF Scholar and Wayne County native, Macy Parkhurst was born and raised in Pikeville with a deep rooted love of her community.
After applying to several colleges her senior year of high school, Parkhurst was not sure where she wanted to go. On a campus tour of the University of Mount Olive (UMO), Parkhurst got an overwhelming sense that this was where she needed to be.
“The Lord told me this is where I needed to be,” said Parkhurst. “So I listened and I am so glad that I did.”
Parkhurst was raised on her grandfather’s farm where she learned the value of what it means to be in a rural, tobacco-dependent community. Parkhurst originally had no idea about Golden LEAF until her grandfather informed her about the foundation and suggested she go apply. She knew the Golden LEAF Scholarship was something she wanted to apply for since she has a passion for her community and giving back to her hometown.
“That was a big reason why I applied, but I really love how Golden LEAF’s main goal is encouraging people to go back to their rural hometown,” said Parkhurst. “That is something I am really passionate about, is my hometown little ol’ Pikeville. I love it.”
Ever since she was little, Parkhurst has wanted to go to law school and become an attorney. Her inspiration sparked from her grandmother, who told her when she was younger that she can do anything she puts her mind to and she would be a great attorney one day.
“Little 10-year-old Macy said I am not doing that,” said Parkhurst, “but it really stuck with me for the rest of my life.”
Parkhurst entered the UMO as a Business Administration major, since the university did not offer a Pre-Law program. Parkhurst loves a challenge and to her the major did not give her that challenge. It was until she took her first accounting class where she found her challenge.
“After going to my accounting professor for help just one time, it clicked for me,” said Parkhurst. “This is where I found my love for accounting. I got my challenge, and I loved it!”
After a conversation with her accounting professor she had a push to switch her major to accounting. Parkhurst was hesitant at first because she had a year left until she graduated and it was a risk to take out of fear she would fail.
“After the switch, it opened many doors to internship opportunities,” said Parkhurst. “I gained experience doing what I loved.”
She had five internships in the span of three years at UMO, but the one that really stuck out was Atlantic Casualty working in their accounting department. Atlantic Casualty is an insurance company based in Goldsboro underwriting insurance in all 50 states. While interning there she still felt the concern that it was not challenging enough for her. But, on her last day there she was offered the part-time position of litigation assistant.
“I’m currently in my third week and learning a lot,” said Parkhurst. “If I did not change my degree to accounting, I would be stuck in this bubble of what is my next step.”
Parkhurst’s position entails her being an assistant to the Claims Counsel, who is an attorney for Atlantic Casualty. Parkhurst assists the Claims Counsel in administering things such as writing up responses to outside counsel or suits. She also writes responses and works with the insurance side of things when it comes to policies.
“I’m excited that I got the best of both worlds, with a job combining law and accounting,” said Parkhurst.
Parkhurst said the Golden LEAF Scholarship’s mission is to encourage students to return to their hometowns and give back to their communities that gave so much to them.
“Without Golden LEAF I do not think that I would have the education and the opportunities that I have today,” said Parkhurst. “Don’t ever give up, even if things look like they may not happen, just do it anyway it doesn’t matter what people say or think.”
Learn more about Parkhurst’s employer, Atlantic Casualty.