Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Thornton Christine, Class of 2024
Hometown: Villanova, Pennsylvania
Major: History and Spanish
Post-graduation plans: Thornton will be continuing his education at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C. for his Master’s of Arts in Statecraft and National Security Affairs.
How HPU helped you get there: “The instruction and mentoring by several of my professors in both the History and Spanish Departments worked wonders for my ability to achieve this milestone.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “The two most influential people that I had the honor of being mentored by are cut from the same cloth, so I will speak about them both. Dr. Frederick C. Schneid — Herman and Louise Smith Professor of History, and Dr. Hayden Carron Namnun — Director of the Spanish Program, are two of my favorite people at High Point University. The breadth and depth of their knowledge and wisdom, their candor, wit and humor, their natural talents for leadership and making friends, as well as their tough, demanding standards for excellence helped shape the man I am today. For that, they have my eternal goodwill and gratitude.”
How you used Career & Professional Development: “If not for the Career and Internship Expo, I would not have found the Institute of World Politics. Additionally, offering me Handshake as a tool for ongoing progress was a major aid in my search for a job in a field that I love.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “The insistence on practicing efficient public and persuasive speaking by nearly all of my professors paid huge dividends. Additionally, my writing, researching and critical thinking skills improved across the board, and the emphasis was universal throughout my time at High Point University. Ultimately, the life skills taught by not just the President’s Seminar and my courses and professors, but by the entire school, are invaluable tools for my continued success.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Hone your “soft” skills as much as you do your “hard” skills. The specialized, technical, “hard” skills that you are learning in your majors and minors are vital to success, but equally important are the universal “soft skills” that help you succeed in all walks of life, every day. For example, you might be the best engineer in your entire class, but what good is that to potential employers if you lack an understanding of leadership, communication, human nature, in-depth research, critical thinking, or public speaking? Additionally, “soft” skills transfer between every profession in the world, so they make an ideal toolset for you to win friends and influence people wherever you may roam.”
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