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 2018:
Name: Caroline Wheatley
Hometown: Califon, New Jersey
Major: Wheatley graduated with a B.A. in criminal justice and a minor in psychology.
Post-graduation plans: Wheatley works as customer service manager for The Soft Edge in McLean, Virginia. Wheatley is in charge of providing support for The Soft Edge’s government relations software, and assisting clients in their advocacy needs. Through varying forms of communication, she empowers clients in making an impact on their community and advocating for important change all over the world.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU gave me the confidence in myself to feel prepared when I entered the workplace. Dr. Qubein truly instilled the growth mindset into me and my peers, making us feel extraordinary. He taught us that there is nothing you can’t do if you set your mind to it, and we were given every tool to accomplish those goals. Dr. Qubein’s unwavering belief in each and every one of his students gave me the confidence to go after my dreams and continue to thrive outside of HPU. I was able to attend many Career and Professional Development presentations, both for class purposes and through different organizations on campus. Career and Professional Development gave me the insider knowledge on how to succeed in internships, interviews and my career. This gave me a competitive edge in the professional world that set me above my competitors and contributed greatly to my success, increasing my confidence and readiness for the world outside of HPU.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU was Lyndsey Derrow. As my supervisor at Campus Concierge for three years, Lyndsey was the epitome of customer service and specifically the brand of servant leadership that HPU models. She was compassionate, caring and dedicated in her role and as our team’s mentor, and her unrelenting positivity gave us all something to strive for. Lyndsey was always calm under pressure and left everyone she interacted with feeling better. Lyndsey served as a great role model, and her customer service skills gave me something to aim for in my future endeavors.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was walking across the stage at graduation, knowing that HPU had provided me with all the tools I needed to succeed in my future endeavors. I could have not gone to a more supportive and empowering university, and I am lucky to be a product of the institution that has evolved under the leadership of Dr. Qubein.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Take advantage of all the opportunities on campus to further your professional development. Having held a job all four years at HPU is what allowed me to stay relevant in the professional world and allowed me to further fine tune my work place skills. In addition, there is a plethora of organizations on this campus, many of which will contain like minded individuals who have the same goals as you. Find these people, and watch how you will grow over the next four years into an even better version of yourself!”