With another successful commencement behind us, High Point University seniors have kicked-off 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: Ashley Smith
Hometown: Waxhaw, North Carolina
Major: Criminal justice with a minor in psychology
Post-graduation plans: Smith accepted a position at the U.S Attorney’s office as a litigation technology specialist and is in charge of the intake process in the automated litigation unit.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU helped me to get where I am today by helping me through the process of changing majors after my freshman year. They made sure that I selected something that I truly wanted to do in the future. They also made sure I was still on track to graduate on time. I used the Office of Career and Professional Development to get my internship to count as class credit. They were able to help me tell my internship what I needed to do in order for it to help me further my education.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU was my advisor and professor Dr. Swanson. As soon as I changed majors she helped me to figure out the classes that I needed. She was always trying to help me with study tactics or getting into the classes that worked with my schedule. She made class interesting and related it to what was happening currently within the criminal justice world. She was always available for me to talk to about my internship, classes, graduation and even what was going on in my everyday life. She truly cared about me, not only as her advisee, but as a person.
Most Impactful Moment t HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was learning that the president of my university would teach a class to every freshman their first semester. I thought it was crazy enough to see him walking around campus and interacting with students daily, but to learn he took time every week to teach a class to all the freshmen was extraordinary. He cares enough about his students and their success to give them tips on preparing not only for college, but for life after college.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Take advantage of what HPU has to offer and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people or ask people questions about your interested field. You never know who you could meet or the events that might take place when you do!”