With another Commencement behind us, High Point University graduates will be commencing 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 2021:
Name: Katherine Pinto
Hometown: Parsippany, New Jersey
Major: Special education
Post-graduation plans: Pinto joins Ocean View NPS as a special education teacher where she will be teaching a class of 12 students and will be a case manager for all her students to create IEP’s (Individualized Education Plan) and hold IEP meetings.
How HPU helped you get there: “During my time as a student at High Point University, I was able to work in a multitude of different classroom settings. Starting my freshman year at HPU, I had in classroom experiences before starting my student teaching placement. I have worked in a number of K-5 and high school adapted classroom settings. Through these experiences, I have learned and possessed a number of skills and have had a ton of classroom experience. Through my classroom experience, I have also seen the IEP process, and how to effectively run a successful IEP meeting.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU would have to be Dr. Summey. The constant support and encouragement I received from Dr. Summey was truly incredible. She always would check in with me to see how I was doing and ask if I needed anything. I am so grateful for her and her guidance throughout this year.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “The most impactful moment at HPU would be the first time I entered a classroom my freshman year. I always knew that teaching was something that I wanted to do, and being able to get into a classroom so early on was incredible.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My advice for underclassmen would be to build connections early on. The connections formed can lead to internship and job opportunities.”