With commencement just around the corner, recent 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: Julia Blumberg
Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware
Major: International relations and Spanish with minors in history and Latin American studies
Post-graduation plans: Blumberg will be pursuing a master’s degree in Latin American Studies in Tucson, Arizona, at the University of Arizona.
How HPU helped you get there: “High Point University helped me get where I am now through the curriculum and all my experiences. It instilled in me a growth mindset, where failure or mistakes are the opportunity to grow and not a limit on your abilities. The main message I took away from developing a growth mindset is to view failure as a learning opportunity. This was perfectly stated by Dr. Carol Dweck during her visit to campus. She told us, “‘What can I learn from this?’ You have to be willing to look within. It doesn’t mean you can’t be sorely disappointed or crushed for a moment when something doesn’t work out. But you learn from it and use it as a springboard for your next attempts.” This growth mindset was instilled in me by my professors in the History Department, the World Languages Department and the International Relations Department. Not to mention the extraordinary individuals students connect with such as Steve Wozniak, Cynt Marshall, Byron Pitts and other in-residence faculty who further develop our growth. A growth mindset idea is pertinent across all fields and useful to everybody, which is why it is so important that HPU includes the Leadership and Life Skills Series through campus events.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “HPU has provided me with numerous impactful mentors, and it is impossible to choose just one. I would not be where I am without them all. Dr. Claudia Femenias and Carolyn Adams in the World Languages and Culture Department taught me that I can do anything I put mind to and to always challenge myself to see growth and improvement. When I began my search for graduate school, Dr. Marco Cabrera Geserick in the History Department suggested I look at the Latin American Studies program at the University of Arizona and I would not have found the program if it wasn’t for him. He instilled in me a love for making change in the world and going out of my comfort zone to learn more about Latin America. It is thanks to him that I added both History and Latin American Studies minors alongside my double major. I could not be more thankful for my professors at High Point University for believing in me when I did not believe in myself and for continuously challenging me so I can handle anything thrown at me. Finally, thank you to the Office of Global Education staff: Chris Ferguson, Kristen Cruz, Dr. Jeffrey Palis and Dr. Marjorie Church for allowing me to work for them my senior year as a way to share my study abroad experience and inspire others to study abroad. Working in that office sparked a fire in me to continue to grow and to continue to inspire others in my career and personal life. After all, lo hice con toda su ayuda (I did it with all their help).”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “The most impactful moment I had at HPU was when I started working for the Office of Global Education during the Fall of 2018. This experience allowed me to gain job skills while still in college. This also allowed me to have the privilege to share my experiences abroad and grow through setbacks and challenges. I had the privilege of studying abroad during the Spring of 2018 at the Universidad de Nebrija in Madrid and my experience led me to be quoted on the Global Education application portal as saying, ‘My intention was to become fluent in Spanish and I accomplished that by taking classes in Spanish and living with a host family that did not speak English. However, my personal growth was the biggest unforeseen benefit. I mastered public transportation, tried foods I’ve never heard of and gained a deep understanding of the culture of Spain by living and breathing life like a local in Madrid. I encourage anyone to take advantages of this incredible opportunity to not stand still. Spend every weekend exploring what is around you, because it will also help you explore yourself.’ I am glad to continue to have made a lasting impact on the Office of Global Education and I know this opportunity through studying abroad and working for this office will continue to impact my career and life.”
Advice for underclassmen: “The best advice I can give is to step outside your comfort zone as much as possible. You can do that through taking a once in a lifetime experience of studying abroad. I had the opportunity to grow my language abilities by living with a host family in Spain and taking classes all in Spanish, which not only provided me with new perspectives on the world but also gave me the confidence to speak up in classes at HPU. A quote that reinforces this concept is, ‘Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.’ – Brian Tracy”