Here’s a quick glimpse into Evan’s journey to career success!
Name: Evan Leszczynski, Class of 2027
Hometown: Port Tobacco, Maryland
Major: Accounting and Finance
Post-graduation plans: After Evan graduates in 2027, he will begin his career as a tax associate at PwC’s Greensboro, North Carolina office, where he will work with clients on tax compliance, planning and advisory services while helping them navigate complex tax regulations. Evan’s responsibilities will include analyzing financial information, conducting tax research and collaborating with professionals to develop effective tax strategies and ensure compliance with federal and state tax requirements.
How HPU helped you get there:
“I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without High Point University. From the professors who have gone out of their way to help me succeed to the opportunities I’ve had to grow as a student and leader, HPU has given me so much more than I ever could have expected. The relationships I’ve built with my professors in the Phillips School of Business have been especially meaningful. They’ve challenged me academically, encouraged me to pursue my CMA and CPA certifications and genuinely cared about my future. HPU also gave me the opportunity to connect with professionals at PwC. I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have believed in me, opened doors for me and helped turn a goal I’ve had since freshman year into a reality.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU:
“It’s really difficult to choose just one person because I’ve been fortunate to have so many incredible professors and mentors at HPU, but Christina Griffith, chair of the Department of Accounting and Finance and Jefferson-Pilot professor of the practice of accounting, and Scott Davis, associate professor of accounting, have both had a tremendous impact on me. They’ve been so much more than professors throughout my time here. Both have genuinely cared about my success, encouraged me to challenge myself academically and professionally and gone out of their way to help me work toward my goals. Whether it was preparing for my CMA and CPA exams, navigating the recruiting process with PwC, or simply offering advice and encouragement when I needed it, they’ve always been willing to make time for me. What means the most is knowing that they truly care about their students as people, not just how we perform in the classroom. I’m incredibly grateful for the relationships I’ve built with both of them, and I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today without their guidance and support.”
“I’ve learned that success isn’t just about personal accomplishments or the positions you hold, but also about how you treat people and the impact you leave on those around you. Serving in student leadership has especially taught me that being a good leader means putting others before yourself, even when nobody is watching.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success?:
“I think one of the things that makes HPU so special is that you’re constantly surrounded by people who encourage you to be better. Yes, there is a beautiful campus, but the environment and the people are what make it what it is. Being surrounded by professors who genuinely care about my future, classmates who motivate me to work harder and opportunities that push me outside my comfort zone has made such a difference in my life. HPU has given me an environment where I’ve felt comfortable setting ambitious goals and, more importantly, supported in working toward them. Whether that was pursuing my professional certifications, serving in student leadership, or eventually earning my position at PwC, I’ve always felt like I had people in my corner who wanted to see me succeed. I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
What values and virtues will you take with you?:
“I think the values I’ll carry with me most from HPU are gratitude, integrity, humility and a genuine desire to serve others. Being surrounded by professors, mentors and classmates who care so much about the people around them has really shaped the way I approach both leadership and everyday life. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about personal accomplishments or the positions you hold, but also about how you treat people and the impact you leave on those around you. Serving in student leadership has especially taught me that being a good leader means putting others before yourself, even when nobody is watching. As I prepare to graduate, I hope to carry those same values into my career, always remembering the people who helped me get there and looking for opportunities to do the same for others.”
What life skills did HPU help you develop?:
“One of the biggest things HPU has taught me is how to manage my time, hold myself accountable and become comfortable taking on responsibilities that sometimes push me outside my comfort zone. Between maintaining my academics, working multiple jobs, preparing for professional certifications and serving in different leadership capacities, I’ve learned how important discipline, communication and consistency really are. Through Student Government and my involvement in different organizations, I’ve also learned how to lead, work with people who have different perspectives, and, most importantly, listen. I’ve certainly made mistakes and had plenty of learning experiences along the way, but I think those moments have helped me grow the most. These are skills I know I’ll rely on throughout my career and well beyond graduation.”
Most impactful moment at HPU:
“One of the most impactful moments of my time at HPU was being elected to serve as vice president of the Student Government Association. Having my fellow students place their trust in me to represent them was something I didn’t take lightly, and it’s an experience that has changed the way I look at leadership. Through that role, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some incredible people, advocate for students and hopefully make a positive difference on a campus that has given me so much. It’s taught me that leadership is much less about holding a title and much more about showing up, listening and genuinely caring about the people you’re representing. Looking back, I’m incredibly thankful that HPU gave me the opportunity to grow in ways I never would have imagined when I first arrived on campus.”
Advice for underclassmen:
“My biggest piece of advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity you can, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. Get to know your professors, build genuine relationships with the people around you, get involved on campus and don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals in the field you want to pursue. Some of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve had at HPU came from simply introducing myself, asking questions, or being willing to try something new. I would also encourage students to work hard, stay humble and remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. There will be setbacks, and things won’t always work out the way you planned, but I’ve learned that being consistent and treating people well goes a long way. Most importantly, don’t get so caught up in preparing for life after graduation that you forget to enjoy your time at HPU. These four years go by incredibly quickly, and the relationships and memories you make here are just as valuable as anything you’ll accomplish professionally.”
Are you an HPU graduate with exciting news to share?
Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!