Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Barbara Biglari, Class of 2026
Hometown: Greenville, North Carolina
Major: Neuroscience
Post-graduation plans: Barbara has accepted a position as a Patient Relations Advisor with Parkland Health in Dallas, Texas. She has worked in neuro research at a previous facility, but her passion for helping people led her to this role. As a Patient Relations Advisor, Barbara will serve as an advocate and help de-escalate situations while coaching others on how to encounter intense circumstances. The role is one of seven positions that aid the entire hospital, and with it comes a great responsibility.
How HPU helped you get there:
“The research I was able to be part of helped me tremendously. The Natural Science Fellows and other clubs and events helped me connect with others. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of it all because we supported one another and encouraged one another to do well on exams and also in life.”
How did you use the Office of Career & Professional Development?
“I used Vmock, a service offered through the Office of Career and Professional Development, to help rebuild my resume. As a non-traditional student, Vmock provided modern insight to changes I needed to make, which helped in my job search. Furthermore, I received feedback from the career office on what could be improved and how my resume could be interpreted, which I greatly appreciated.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success?
“The people, professors and opportunities have all had an impact on my success. The bottom line, however, is the impact I have. If I do not do my part as a student, then their impact means nothing. The expectations are high here, and students should pride themselves in knowing that professors expect more from them — that’s how they reach their full potential.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation?
“God, Family, Country! I believe that being an extraordinary person means living out our lives generously, being civil and respecting others (and ourselves), emulating a posture of gratitude and taking personal initiative to make a difference. These values I have long believed and found here at HPU when I stepped onto campus in 2023. I have the utmost gratitude for attending this remarkable university and becoming who God has called me to be. These values were strengthened and will continue to deepen long after graduation.”
Most impactful mentors at HPU:
“Dr. Bill Kochen, assistant professor and founding chair of neuroscience, has an incredible desire to help students achieve their goals. He encourages students and his love for teaching shows in his classroom as well as in his interactions. He listened to student’s interests and is creating a firm foundation for the department. Additionally, Dr. Michael Grider, assistant professor of neuroscience, was another mentor. He was a tough professor but reasonably so. He expected a lot from his students and helped them realize hard work truly pays off. This is a life skill and proof of what university expectations should be. Both are an asset to the Neuroscience program.”
Most impactful moment at HPU:
“My very first year I had Dr. Carol Earnhardt for my music class. She, too, went back to school later in life and one day she said to me, ‘Hey, it’s OK, you are going to get through it. It’s a lot to work full time and attend school full time, but you can do it.’ I was beyond grateful to hear that at a time in my life when I felt overwhelmed with school and work, not to mention planning my wedding that year.”
Advice for underclassmen:
“It is never too late to become who you are called to be. I went back to school later in life because of personal experiences that were out of my control. Believing in yourself and dreaming is how history is made. Never stop fighting for the life you want because I can wholeheartedly tell you — at age 35 — it is entirely possible to achieve it. Your path is unique to YOU. Do not allow the success of others to discourage you and make you feel inferior. You can achieve your goals if you have grit, discipline and carry a hunger to achieve it. So, take the risk and dare to dream because life is a leap of faith.”
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