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: Emily Springer
Hometown: Waxhaw, North Carolina
Major: Springer will graduate with a B.S. in Interior Design on May 7.
Post-graduation plans: Springer accepted a position as an Design Assistant at Barbour Spangle Design Group in High Point. In her position, Springer will work closely with the junior designers on preliminary designs for residential and commercial buildings, and pull fabrics, wallpaper, tile and carpet. She will also assist with showroom set up and merchandising during for Barbour Spangle during the High Point Market twice per year. “I am excited to be working for a company that has designed so many spaces on my campus that I use and love.”
How HPU helped you get there: “My professors and mentors on campus have given me the right skills, the confidence and the knowledge to be successful in my field. Without their help and guidance, I would not have chased my goals as vigorously.
I also visited Career & Professional Development services a few times since I’ve been at HPU. I used it for the first time when I was a sophomore. I used it more seriously during the first semester of my senior year to learn how to better utilize LinkedIn, re-phrase my resume descriptions, and construct a sample email to send out to companies I was interested in working for.“
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU has been Dr. John Turpin, the Dean of the School of Art and Design. As a professor, he teaches the classes that I found most challenging during my time in the Interior Design program. Dr. Turpin would take the time to look over our papers and projects before they were due to notify us if we were not on the right track or if they could simply be better. As a Dean, I am confident to go to him with any questions I have about Interior Design. He gives the best advice and I’m so thankful for his willingness to help us in all of our endeavors.“
Most impactful moment at HPU: “Since I visited HPU, I have admired the students who give the campus tours and work the events for the visiting high school students. As a freshman, I was recommended to apply for the program and went through the interview process. My most impactful moment at HPU has been receiving the email from Joe Cristy that I was chosen to be a University Ambassador. The Ambassador program was one of the first big organizations I joined in college and it has continued to have a huge impact on me. It gives me the opportunity to meet so many new people and share my story with them. It has also given me so many friendships and mentors along the way. I will definitely miss my UA family when I graduate.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Get involved on campus, in the community, and in your field of study. Getting involved in a campus organization will help you make long-lasting friendships with people who share your interests. Getting involved in the community gives you a chance to give back and makes you more responsible. Getting involved in your field of study helps you build connections and gain important experience and knowledge.”