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: Sara Barlok
Hometown: Cheshire, Connecticut
Major: Business administration with a minor in sports management
Post-graduation plans: Barlok will manage all initial contact with the ABCA National Office, including in-person visitors, phone and general email. She will be part of the team that deals with membership data management and outreach. Including membership data integrity, maintaining active lists of coaches in each division, handling ABCA Video Accounts for members and assisting with the administration of legislative and rule surveys.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU has helped me grow and learn from experiences inside and outside the school. Through speakers, professors, facilities and the HPU athletic department, I have been given the opportunity to learn different skills needed to achieve my goals. Career and Professional Development helped me not only with my resume and cover letter but also in finding internships near my hometown during the summer of my Junior year. Through one-on-one meetings with April Cosner, I was able to perfect a resume that has been complimented throughout my employment process.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “I would have to say my most impactful mentor at HPU has been Head Baseball Coach, Craig Cozart. The opportunity he gave me to be a part of his team as the director of baseball operations for the past three years has helped me learn the business side of sports in a hands-on way.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment is when I toured HPU. My father and I came and after walking back to the car we passed by Roberts Hall where President Qubein was standing outside. He took the time to talk with us and ask about our experience and our thoughts on the school. The idea that the president of a school took time out of his day to talk to a parent and prospective student blew us both away.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My advice for underclassmen would be to not pass up the opportunities the school gives you to go out of your comfort zone. Whether that be shows, speakers, clubs, Greek life, Global Experience opportunities, professors’ office hours, or the Office of Career and Professional Development, all of these things will help you grow and learn. The ability to participate helped me understand what I liked and disliked. Hands-on experience that HPU provides for its students is one of the biggest factors that will help you learn not only about something new but about yourself.”