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: Nick Muniz
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Major: Muniz graduated with a B.S.B.A. in business administration and a minor in sport management.
Post-graduation plans: Muniz attends law school at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU helped me gain the life skills and the tools to help me get into law school. Having Career & Professional Development, my Success Coaches and access to professors outside of the classroom allowed me to be successful during my four years at HPU. Knowing I had so many individuals to turn to for advice or help allowed me to turn my goals and dreams into reality. Career & Professional Development was extremely helpful throughout my four years at HPU, especially during my senior year when I was applying to law school. Being able to have my resume, LinkedIn profile and personal statement checked and fine-tuned consistently allowed me to be the best version of myself when I was applying to law school.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU was Success Coach Akir Khan. From the beginning of my freshman year, Akir was very helpful and relatable. During my first semester at HPU, I struggled with my transition to college, but Akir was always there to just sit and listen. I talked about my struggles, and he would give me advice on how to overcome those obstacles. After my freshman year, Akir continued to give me guidance and support. Having a mentor that worked in sports and politics before coming to HPU helped me with my goal of practicing sports law. Akir helped me start thinking in the mindset of someone in that position very early and helped me be successful. The most important thing Akir did for me was not just giving me the answers right away. He would have me talk through and express all my thoughts and we would go back and forth in conversation before the advice came. This allowed me to become confident in my thoughts and helped me make difficult decisions.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was on move-in day my freshman while my family was driving on to campus. The security guard, “Ms. Val,” Valerie Baxter, came up to my car to talk to my family and welcome us to HPU. She said that if I ever needed anything to let her know, and she told my family that she would keep an eye out for me. Throughout my four years at HPU, Ms. Val always asked how I was doing and how my day was. Although it was such a small thing she did on move-in day, it showed how HPU really becomes home for students like me.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t get caught up on making mistakes. Don’t think you have to do everything on your own. Go to those close to you who you trust for advice, and ask for help when you need It. Asking questions, overcoming and learning from your mistakes will allow you to be more successful and a better person going forward.”