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: Laura Hutchins
Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Major: Hutchins graduated with a major in Music with a concentration in vocal performance on May 6.
Post-graduation plans: Hutchins will pursue her Masters of Music with a concentration in vocal performance and vocal pedagogy at East Carolina University.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU’s program gives its students many opportunities to learn new things and to expand our interests. During my time at HPU I gained confidence in my abilities, and I have the skills necessary to help me succeed not only in an artistic career, but also in a more traditional work environment. We have many resources like Success Coaches, the Career & Professional Development, and the wonderful people in the library to hep us connect and learn. However the thing that truly sets HPU apart is the culture of caring. Especially within my major department, I feel like I have a whole team of people to cheer me on, who care about me personally.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “By far my most impactful mentor at HPU has been Dr. Scott MacLeod. Early on, Dr. MacLeod recognized my potential and presented me with the opportunities that have challenged me and helped me to grow both as an artist and as a person. I began working with him my sophomore year when I registered for his opera scenes class. He encouraged me to study abroad with him and a group of students the next semester in Prague, Czech Republic. It was there that I fell in love with opera and knew that music was definitely what I wanted to do. Since then, he has been my private voice teacher, and I have continued to participate in his opera and musical theatre scenes classes. I also sing with the NC Opera Chorus, which is under his direction. Last fall I was selected, along with two other students, to travel with him to Costa Rica to perform Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World as a part of the Promising Artists of the 21st Century Program. I am confident all that I have learned and accomplished during my time at HPU would not have been possible without his patient teaching, high standards and encouragement.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “During that semester that I studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, I caught a glimpse of how a career in the arts really looks. It was there that I tried doner kebab, embraced a new culture, gained a different perspective on the world and found my voice.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Don’t ever let the feeling that you aren’t good enough keep you from doing the things you love. Work hard, dream big dreams and move forward with confidence.”