With another successful Commencement behind us, recent High Point University graduates are kicking 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: Macketta Johns
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Major: Journalism
Post-graduation plans: Johns has joined Bumble as the U.S. field events coordinator in Austin, Texas. Her role oversees Bumble’s honey ambassador’s university events across North America. Johns manages college-aged students to ensure successful events and promote the growth of the Bumble brand. She also works with a variety of university organizations to facilitate partnerships and sponsorships to team up with Bumble.
How HPU helped you get there: “First and foremost HPU has always given me the creativity and empowerment to achieve anything I reach for. The curriculum in the communications school was vigorous, with opportunity for real-life experience. My classes through event management and journalism prepared me for this role because I had real deadlines, I had to create sponsorship decks, write contracts and tell a story through all my projects. The chance to lead so many clubs on campus gave me those people management skills and the chance to get experience. I visited the Office of Career and Professional Development and met with my career advisor, Doug Hall, freshman year knowing I wanted to leave HPU with my dream job. Everyone in their office has aided my journey, from meetings to improve my resume and make it stronger, to developing what my cover letter should say. Even after graduation, Doug would call me to see if he could support me in any way with my job search and offered tools to help me.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentors at HPU have been Dr. Vern Biaett and Dr. Nahed Eltantawy. Dr. Biaett saw a bright-eyed sophomore heavily interested in events, and he answered all my questions, gave me tips for the event industry and beyond. He supported my journey and empowered me in my leadership roles on campus, while always reminding me I had someone to rely on and who believed in me. Dr. Eltantawy is one of the best professors at HPU. Not only does she listen, but she has a passion for teaching and watching students grow. When I met her my sophomore year, I was intimidated only to realize she would be my greatest cheerleader. She sets up her classes in a way for students to learn but also challenge themselves. I always knew that no matter what was going on in my life, her office was open to me. I am a better writer because of her and a better storyteller.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU is hard to really even note. HPU was an amazing experience and I had so many moments that forever changed me. Becoming the president of the Campus Activities Team and really making the club student-run were two very special moments for me. Providing a space for all students to feel supported and encouraged no matter what groups they were a part of, was unreal. Summer Chandler watched me grow through C.A.T and I am forever grateful for that experience. Also, cocreating an entertainment web-series Point Blank. HPU supported my 3 friends and I to create the show from the ground up. This show fueled my creativity, allowed me to think outside the box, say yes to things that are outside of my comfort zone and work on time management.”
Advice for underclassmen: “You can be successful by realizing no opportunity is too small, saying yes and getting involved. Being involved provided me years of leadership through different organizations. Get a job on campus to learn time management, and meet people. Reach out to people that interest you, get to know your professors because, trust me, they want to see you win. Say yes to opportunities that scare you because those are the one’s that foster the most growth. Last but not least, have fun – college goes by so quick and HPU is an amazing atmosphere. Take it in, enjoy it and remember to put your health first!”