Hunter Caulder has always enjoyed figuring out how things work. Inspired by his grandfather’s love of engineering, he set a goal of earning a Small Engine Repair certificate from Randolph Community College. Through determination, hard work and support from the team at Monarch Healthcare’s Asheboro School Road residential home, that goal recently became a reality.
When Hunter walked across the stage to receive his certificate, he summed up the experience in just a few words.
“It felt amazing.”
While graduation marked the end of one chapter, it also represented something much bigger: the confidence to continue pursuing new opportunities and the independence to build the future he wants.
Inspired by Family
Hunter’s interest in repairing engines began years ago with someone he admired deeply.
“My grandpa was really smart,” Hunter said. “He was an engineer. I wanted to be like him.”
That admiration sparked a curiosity that eventually led him to enroll in Randolph Community College’s Small Engine Repair program. Throughout the program, Hunter committed himself to learning new skills and achieving a goal that had been years in the making.
The coursework wasn’t always easy, but Hunter stayed focused and continued working toward graduation, gaining confidence with every class he completed.
Building Independence at Home
Hunter lives at Monarch Healthcare’s Asheboro School Road residential home, where the focus extends beyond providing a safe place to live. The home is part of Monarch Healthcare’s residential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which are designed to help individuals live as independently as possible while pursuing their own personal goals.
Every resident’s path looks different. Some pursue employment, volunteer in their communities or develop new life skills. Others explore hobbies, build relationships or continue their education. Staff work alongside each person to provide individualized support that helps turn those goals into reality.
For Hunter, that meant having the encouragement and practical support to attend college. Staff provided reliable transportation to and from campus, celebrated his progress and helped remove barriers that might have otherwise made completing the program more difficult.
That support allowed Hunter to focus on what mattered most: learning, growing and accomplishing something he set out to do.
A Day to Celebrate
Graduation day brought a mix of excitement and nerves.
Hunter admitted he was nervous before the ceremony, but those feelings quickly gave way to pride as he crossed the stage and accepted his certificate.
His girlfriend, Allie, and several friends were there to celebrate the milestone with him, making the day even more memorable.
Receiving his certificate was his favorite part of the ceremony, a tangible reminder of everything he had accomplished through months of dedication and perseverance.
Looking Ahead
While Hunter is proud of earning his Small Engine Repair certificate, he sees it as just the beginning.
“I feel like I want to do more stuff, get out more,” he said.
In addition to working on small engines, Hunter has developed an interest in technology, computers and artificial intelligence. He hopes to continue learning and exploring new opportunities that allow him to build on his skills and interests.
His journey is a reminder that growth often begins with a single opportunity and the confidence to take the first step.
At Monarch Healthcare, residential services are about helping people build meaningful, self-directed lives. Whether someone’s goal is earning a college certificate, finding a job, volunteering in the community or developing greater independence, our team is committed to providing the individualized support that helps make those goals possible.
For Hunter, that support, combined with his own determination, led to an accomplishment worth celebrating and a future filled with new possibilities.