It may be early in the semester, but Commencement will be here before we know it. Many High Point University seniors are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other esteemed organizations thanks to their journey at HPU. Here’s a glimpse of one extraordinary senior from the Class of 2016:
Name: Jessica Vitale
Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut
Major: Vitale will graduate with a B.S. in Psychology, with a minor in Spanish, on May 7.
Post-graduation plans: Vitale accepted a position as a Seasonal Clinician at Lindamood-Bell in Darien, Connecticut. In her position, Vitale will work as an instructor in a Lindamood-Bell Learning Center where students of all ages are taught to read and comprehend to their potential, including those with a previous diagnosis such as dyslexia or an autism spectrum disorder.
How HPU helped you get there: “High Point University has provided me with the support and encouragement necessary to improve on skills I already have, as well as gain new skills and gain confidence in my abilities. Small class sizes have allowed me to build strong relationships with my professors, who are always available and willing to provide guidance when needed, whether it pertains to their class or not. Besides professors, HPU has provided me with many other outlets for getting help and advice, such as my advisor for my major, as well as the Career and Professional Development office.“
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “It feels like just yesterday, but three-and-a-half years ago, I was a nervous, confused and lost freshman who came into HPU with an undeclared major. I was given David Bryden, who is Director of Library Services at the Smith Library, as my advisor. He helped guide me and find the best path for me to take in order to pick the right major. When I was stressed or worried about not yet having a declared major, he reassured me that I was on the right path and was going to figure it out. He guided me to explore options in a few majors early on so that I could figure out my strengths and weaknesses, as well as my interests and disinterests. Having him as my freshman advisor definitely gave me the solid footing I needed to get off to a great start at HPU.“
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was getting accepted to be an International Ambassador for the Office of Study Abroad. I spent a semester abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Universidad del Belgrano. It was such an amazing experience where I learned so much about myself, other people, and the world. Being able to return to HPU and share my experiences with other students has allowed me to extend the benefits of my abroad journey, even when I am no longer there. It was such an important part of my college career, and I’m glad I can motivate and support other students to make the same decision.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My biggest piece of advice to underclassmen is to get involved in this campus. This includes fostering relationships with teachers, as well as students. We have students from all over the country and world on this campus, and I would advise underclassmen to get to know people from as many places and backgrounds as they can, because we can learn so much from other peoples’ experiences. We have teachers who studied in universities all over the country and have been in our shoes before, so they are able to provide some very helpful advice and guidance. I would also advise students to get involved in groups on this campus such as intramural sports teams, clubs, Greek organizations, student government, etc. There are so many ways to get involved and every student can find a group that fits them well. High Point University has so much to offer, and students should take advantage of as much as they can in these four short years!”