HPU graduates are leading 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 2022:
Name: Gabrielle Barone
Hometown: Staten Island, New York
Major: Journalism
Post-graduation plans: Barone will continue to pursue her passion for writing and broadcast journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in Manhattan, New York.
How HPU helped you get there: “The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication gave me the tools and challenges I needed to succeed: the newsroom, student-produced shows, going out into the community to tell stories and most importantly, my classmates and professors. I reached my potential by being challenged and supported. Through classes and projects, I learned the art of storytelling and fell in love with journalism. My career advisor, Emily Long, in the Office of Career and Professional Development helped me edit my resume and build my LinkedIn profile.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Professors Ken Medlin and Joe Michaels were my most impactful mentors at HPU. Professor Medlin taught me the foundational skills of journalism, and Professor Michaels brought his real producing experience into the classroom, sharing his crazy experiences and expert advice. Both professors wrote me letters of recommendations for graduate school and helped me make the decision to attend an Ivy League university.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was joining HPU Vision. Through this club, I took part in the student-produced news and talk shows, and I gained experience in all aspects of on-air production, including camera, main anchor and the control room. This brought me closer to my classmates, who are just as driven as I am. Another impactful moment was being picked to go to Las Vegas for the BEA and NAB conference where I saw the newest technology in broadcasting.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “Being surrounded by driven and hard-working students on HPU’s campus inspired me to chase my own goals and dreams.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU prepared me for long term success in many ways — most importantly, by learning the importance of public speaking and networking. HPU truly immerses students in networking. Because of this, I met HPU’s Journalist in Residence and ABC News’ “Nightline” Co-Anchor Byron Pitts and was taught by HPU’s Broadcaster in Residence Joe Michaels who are both experts in the industry. They gave great advice and taught me the foundational aspects of journalism.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “I learned from President Qubein that if you believe you can do something, you can achieve it. We are reminded to take advantage of our surroundings and push ourselves to the limit at HPU!”
Advice for underclassmen: “Step out of your comfort zone. HPU has so much to get involved in that test your talents and abilities.”
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