Although commencement is just around the corner, High Point University graduates are already 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 2019:
Name: Molly Hulver
Hometown: Hudson, Ohio
Major: Biochemistry
Post-graduation plans: Hulver will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU creates such a welcoming and personal environment. I have always felt at home at the university and felt so comfortable working alongside my professors. The chemistry department has been exceptional in helping me achieve my goals and generating such an amazing support system. Because of the small-sized classes, I have always been able to form relationships with my professors and know how much they want students to succeed not only in classes but after graduation as well. HPU has created an environment where I connected and interacted with like-minded individuals. The people I have surrounded myself with at the university have pushed me to improve as a person and as a student. I was also able to use the Office of Career and Professional Development for creating my CV for grad school applications. During grad school interview weekends I attended, there were multiple dining components. The comfort I felt interacting with professors and current graduate students in that setting stemmed from my time at HPU. High Point University has fostered an environment in which students can get a lot of face-to-face time with faculty. I have weekly meetings with my research mentor, Dr. Miller, and have often gone to speak with other professors about various topics. Because of this, I felt prepared for the casual conversations I had with professors over lunch or dinner at the universities I was visiting.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Heather Miller was by far the most impactful mentor I have had at HPU. I began working in her research lab over the summer while I was in HPU’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURPS), and she has always gone above and beyond to help me succeed in class, research, and in my graduate school application process. She has taught me so much about performing research, analyzing data and presenting data, and life as a grad student. In addition to being my research mentor, she worked with me through my application process. I spent many hours in her office going over my CV and personal statements. When I got my first graduate school interview, she was the first person I told. There is no way I would be where I am now if it hadn’t been for Dr. Miller.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “It’s not one specific moment, but my most impactful time at HPU was the summer of 2018. I was lucky enough to be selected for the SURPS program here at HPU over the summer and spent eight weeks working full time in Dr. Miller’s lab. This time transformed me into a dedicated researcher and solidified my desire to attend graduate school.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Don’t be afraid to reach out and form connections with your professors. They want you to succeed and will help you get where you want to go.”