With another successful commencement behind us, recent High Point University graduates 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 2017:
Name: Zoe Garber
Hometown: Hollis, New Hampshire
Major: Garber graduated with a major in Psychology on May 6.
Post-graduation plans: Garber has accepted a position with the American Psychological Association. In her roll as a program coordinator she will be working with a team of individuals managing and advocating for the organization’s Minority Fellowship Program. Garber will track funding, contact potential recipients and create a community among the pre and post doctoral fellows. The recipients of this fellowship are working towards the goal of doing clinical psychology work for underserved populations. Garber’s team will support the fellows throughout their work and will assist in stressing the importance of clinical psychology within underserved populations. In addition to beginning her career, Garber will also begin working toward her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Washington University in the fall. She currently lives at Moishe House Columbia Heights, part of an international nonprofit organization that assists in the creation of Jewish communities for young professionals around the world. I along with two other residents of the house organize seven events per month for the community.
How HPU helped you get there: “As it is for anyone, college is a roller coaster. There are so many highs and there are lows as well. High Point University quickly went from an institution of higher learning to a family and a community that I could count on. The most outstanding part of this place is definitely the faculty and staff. As an early graduate in December 2016 something that I instantly missed was the constant support of my professors and the faculty I worked with in the Office of Student Life as well as in the Undergraduate Admissions Office. I also met with Career & Professional Development to assist me with applications for graduate school. Although I wish I had met with them sooner beginning my freshman year, I was amazed as how thorough and helpful they were. I got individual assistance with GRE information, resume help, narrowing down my choices in schools and most importantly help with my personal statement essays. I cannot stress enough how important it is to create connections with this office. They are not only helpful but they will be essential in your decision making process following graduation. Each individual I met at HPU became an inspiration and helped me push to where I am today – and to where I’m going!”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “There are so many people that touched my heart at HPU; students, faculty and staff alike. However, someone that stands out to me the most is Dr. Jen Brandt. She came to speak at a chapter meeting for my sorority my sophomore year to continue our education process for our philanthropy, domestic violence awareness. Her words resonated with me and I went right home and emailed her. Ever since I reached out to her and arranged a meeting at her office, she encouraged me to follow my heart, pushed me to believe that I have something to offer this world, allowed me the freedom to express myself freely and challenge me to be the strong woman I hoped to be. Her guidance through the women and gender studies program and throughout my college career was more than I could have possibly hoped for. I continue to learn from her and I am forever grateful.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “As a sophomore student, I organized an event where a Holocaust survivor came to speak on campus. Throughout the planning process it became clear that I needed more space than just a classroom. There ended up being about 900 students, faculty, staff, and community members in attendance. I am still so humbled by the support of the High Point community. I hold the memory of that evening close to my heart. From Dr. Nido Qubein’s attendance and praise, to young children from the community thanking me for this experience, to HPU preparing a gift basket for the speaker, I still am in awe of just how our community can come together for the purpose of education, increased awareness, history and kindness.”
Advice for underclassmen: “First of all, have fun. College is short and High Point University has so much to offer. You get out of it what you put into it. This not only goes for your college experience but when you graduate hold that sentiment with you. It can be challenging at times post-graduation to stay positive but if HPU has taught me anything, it is that with hard work, patience, professionalism, perseverance and an extraordinary education anything is possible. Don’t worry about rushing into a job before you graduate – hold out for something you are passionate about, it’s definitely worth it!”