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: Maggie Addison
Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
Major: Addison graduated with a B.A. in Spanish and nonprofit leadership and management.
Post-graduation plans: Addison joins Global Education Ministries as the organization’s business manager. She will work for a private, Christian school in Oaxaca, Mexico, coordinating fundraising events, donor relations and gifts, sponsorships of students and more. She will also be teaching several Bible classes to young children. As a Spanish and nonprofit leadership and management graduate, Addison’s position knits together her two biggest passions: cross-cultural living and service to others.”
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU gave me the opportunity to meet incredible faculty members who have encouraged me and invested so much in my life. Not only that, but as a liberal arts college, HPU allowed me to take classes outside of my initial interests which helped me find my true passions – Spanish, Latin American culture and serving others – and guided me to choosing my two majors. I am eternally grateful to HPU for the ways that they have not only helped me discover what I am truly passionate about, but have also invested so much time in getting me where I need to be to achieve my dreams. Resources like Career and Professional Development helped me to create my resume. Although I had worked a few jobs, I hadn’t put anything down on a resume mainly because I didn’t know where to start. Career and Professional Development paired me with an advisor, and I was able to sit down with her while she walked me through each step.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Claudia Femenias in the Foreign Language Department taught the majority of my Spanish classes. I worked alongside of her at an arts and culture nonprofit organization, Casa Azul of Greensboro. Although she started out as my Spanish professor, she became my main mentor, coworker and friend. I am thankful for the ways that she challenged me in the classroom, encouraged me to study abroad, offered me the opportunity to intern with her organization and has offered support as I make this next big move to Mexico.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Major in what you’re passionate about, and it will lead into a career you love! Don’t settle on a field strictly for financial gain or because you feel like it is what people expect of you – do it because you love it and it will hardly feel like work.”