Kristen Arena Pursues Graduate School

How HPU helped you get there: “HPU helped me prepare for my future by giving me a strong academic foundation and a clear pathway to graduate school. Through rigorous accounting coursework, supportive faculty and opportunities to lead and gain real‑world experience, I developed the confidence and skills I need to pursue my long‑term goals. HPU’s environment encouraged me to think beyond my undergraduate degree and set myself up for success in graduate school and eventually the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My two most impactful mentors at HPU were Christina Griffith, HPU’s chair of the Department of Accounting and Finance, and Jefferson-Pilot professor of the practice of accounting, and Scott Davis, associate professor of accounting. I met Professor Griffith during my junior year, and she has helped me grow both personally and academically. She is always understanding and supportive, and she consistently offers solutions when things get challenging. Professor Davis has been my professor since freshman year, and he has pushed me to become the strongest accounting student I can be. He challenges his students because he truly wants to see them succeed. Together, their guidance has shaped my confidence, work ethic and long‑term goals.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “The most impactful moment I had at HPU actually happened before I was even a student. When I stepped onto campus for the first time during my visit, I instantly felt at home. I originally didn’t want to go away to school, but something about HPU’s ‘God, Family, Country’ values aligned with me in a way I didn’t expect. As I walked around campus, I felt a sense of comfort and belonging that made me realize this was where I was meant to be. That moment shaped my entire college experience and set the foundation for the growth I’ve had here.”

Did the Office of Career & Professional Development contribute to your success? “I used the Office of Career & Professional Development to strengthen my resume and present my experiences in a clear, professional way. Their guidance helped me highlight my accounting coursework, leadership roles and work experience. By learning how to tailor my resume to the accounting field, I gained confidence in my professional identity and felt more prepared for internships, job opportunities and graduate school applications.”

Advice for underclassmen: “My advice for underclassmen is to not give up when things get hard. There will be moments when you feel stressed or unsure, but those are the moments that shape you. Push yourself outside your comfort zone, stay consistent with your goals and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you keep going even when it’s challenging, you’ll be more prepared for life after graduation and confident in your ability to succeed.”