Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Caroline Peacock, Class of 2024
Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut
Major: Journalism; minor in photography
Post-graduation plans: Caroline is launching her career in New York at FOX News as a production assistant for the Media Production Department. Her daily responsibilities will consist of working with producers to craft ideas for graphics and then assigning and communicating the information to a graphic artist. In addition, she will conduct research if needed to help provide additional information to the artist. When the graphic is complete, it comes back to her for additional review and editing before she submits it to the producers for broadcast.
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “It is really hard to pick just one mentor at HPU, so I am choosing the entire journalism department and Benita VanWinkle, associate professor of Visual Arts. Every professor in the journalism department helped shape me to become the courageous and confident journalist I am today. Dr. Nahed Eltantawy, interim dean of the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication, taught me how to write in the inverted pyramid form and conduct research and interviews. Dr. Bobby Hayes, chair and professor of the practice of journalism, taught me about copy editing and newspaper layouts. Dr. Dean Smith, assistant professor of journalism, taught me about journalistic law and ethics. Dr. Ken Medlin, professor of the practice of journalism, was the professor that made me realize that journalism was the major for me. Benita VanWinkle taught me how to find myself and how to appreciate art and writing in a deeper meaning.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “The most impactful moment for me at HPU was sitting in the crowd of students at graduation and realizing that I did it – I graduated! It was a very surreal moment for me because I realized I was going to be on my own in the adult world and I knew HPU had prepared me for it, but I was going to miss my second home, my friends and my professors. I wanted to turn back time and relive all the amazing memories, but I knew that I needed to charge forward and accept the challenges that lay ahead.”
How you used Career & Professional Development? “I used the Office of Career and Professional Development to help obtain my Masters Golf Program internship. I had been a patron to the 2022 Masters and was excited to learn more about an opportunity to work there. I signed up for the informational talk and then eventually applied and was accepted to work at the 2024 Masters. It was an incredible experience to learn more about what goes into such a major sporting event.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “It was my professors who motivated me to become the journalist that I am today. They encouraged each of us to go out into the world and research and report on important topics. I remember when Dr. Eltantawy assigned the class to report on something outside of HPU. That assignment is what opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of journalism. I saw it as an opportunity. It brought me back to her office an entire semester after I had turned it in, so I could not only perfect it, but learn more about journalism.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU helped me to become more confident. In 2020, I walked in as a shy freshman intending to write for the rest of my life at a small newspaper, but in 2024, I walked out as a confident woman ready to take on the journalism world. HPU also taught me that building relationships is extremely important. I still keep in contact with my professors, alumni and even students who are still at HPU. I have realized that keeping these relationships helps you build a network, and it’s also great to keep up with what your peers end up doing after college.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “God, family and country will always remain the strongest virtues and values in my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without God, my family, my friends, my professors and this beautiful country that we live in.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My advice is to believe in yourself and be confident. You will be shocked at the things you are capable of doing. I was once a freshman and even a senior who was unsure what the future looked like, but hard work and determination will eventually lead you to your dreams.”
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