Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Chakyia Lee, Class of 2024
Hometown: Newport News, Virginia
Major: Business Administration, minor in Legal Studies
Post-graduation plans: Chakyia is pursuing her law degree as a J.D. candidate at The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU taught me the importance of establishing my brand and network. While I spent a lot of time on my academics and graduated summa cum laude, the most important thing I learned was that academics can only take you so far and you have to create relationships with people and be inviting.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU has been Kimberly Drye-Dancy, executive director of the Center for Community Engagement. She was always someone I could lean on during difficult times or when I needed to vent. She kept me motivated when the semester brought more pressure than I anticipated and reminded me to take care of myself while still pushing forward. I also looked up to her for the way she made others feel welcomed and consistently advocated on behalf of those who couldn’t always express what they needed.“
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was serving as president of the Volunteer Center. It gave me the opportunity to lead with purpose, connect with the community and see the tangible difference service can make in people’s lives. That experience shaped my commitment to servant leadership and reinforced the values I’ll carry into my career.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “Definitely my networking and professional skills. I look at some of my peers in law school and this is the first time a lot of them are being introduced to the idea of networking, showing up to networking events and even informational interviewing. These are skills I have been practicing since I was a freshman at HPU, and I am super grateful for that leg up in the competitive legal field.”
Did you use the Office of Career & Professional Development? If so, how? “I’ve used the Office of Career & Professional Development for resume and cover letter appointments where I received valuable feedback to strengthen my applications and present myself more professionally.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “HPU has helped me develop values of servant leadership, resilience and professionalism. I’ve learned the importance of community, gratitude and leading with integrity—virtues I’ll carry with me into my legal career.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My advice to underclassmen is to seek out every opportunity—even if someone says you’re too young, there’s always a place for you to grow. Start building your network early and work hard but also give yourself grace. Success may look different for you than for your friends depending on your field, and that’s OK—be proud of your own path while also celebrating others. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to be better without making you feel less than, and don’t be afraid to separate from groups that don’t uplift you.”
Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?
Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!