With Commencement just around the corner, High Point University seniors are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other esteemed organizations thanks to their journey at HPU. Here’s a glimpse of one extraordinary senior from the Class of 2016:
Name: Leah Vitrano
Hometown: Orange County, California
Major: Vitrano will graduate with a B.S. in Interior Design on May 7.
Post-graduation plans: Vitrano accepted a position as a Junior Designer at bettershelter, a boutique real estate development company in Orange County, California. In her position, Vitrano will formulate floor plans, communicate with clients, research products and conduct orders for commercial, hospitality and residential projects.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU has presented me with the resources to fully reach my potential as an undergraduate interior design student. The interior design program is not only accredited by CIDA, but is also structured to help students reach educational requirements for practicing designers applying to take the NCIDQ exam. Being in the furniture capital of the world, I have been able to immerse myself in real-world experiences and communicate with clients from all over the country during market week. Through HPU I have been able to travel the world through the study abroad program which has broadened my horizons to different cultures and experiences. Every aspect of HPU has helped me to grow and mature personally and has shaped me into a person that is ready to take on the real world.“
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Mr. John Linn has served as a mentor for me during my years at HPU. He always challenges his students to put forth their best work and can see you for your full potential at times when you may not. Mr. Linn was always on the side pushing me along through encouragement. I can say that every project I have ever turned into Mr. Linn has been my best work because he does not expect any less. During my first semester this year while I was working on various projects, I was also attempting to re-brand myself and establish a personal website and design portfolio. Mr. Linn said an impactful statement: ‘Stay true to yourself.’ I followed Mr. Linn’s advice, and in the end, I have established a personal logo, website and portfolio that has been praised my members of the design community and has essentially landed me the job that I have today. Mr. Linn has been there throughout the four years not only as my advisor, but as someone who both challenges and supports me to be the best person I can possibly be.“
Most impactful moment at HPU: “HPU provided me with the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Florence, Italy, which has made the greatest impact on my life. Through my semester abroad I was able to experience new cultures having traveled to 11 different countries and 16 cities, all the while living with my friends. I had a unique experience abroad because for the first time in the interior design department, all but 7 students of the 25 students studied abroad. Having the people that I spend the majority of my time with be able to share the experience of living and studying in a new country is one that cannot be traded. I made lasting memories that are still spoken about throughout the studio which would not have been possible without HPU providing its students with the opportunity to study abroad.”
Advice for underclassmen: “1. Be yourself and take nothing for granted. These four years will pass quickly and instead of dwelling on what could have been, be yourself and the right people will come your way. Being from California, I knew coming into my freshman year that I would be different. Instead of changing myself, I stayed true to my personal style and at the end of my senior year the people who are by my side, accept me for who I am.
2. Take personal initiative. People can give you advice on how to get a job, but unless you take it upon yourself and make an effort to build your resume, a job is not going to just fall into your lap. Make sure that you get summer internships and make connections that can serve as future opportunities. Brand yourself in a memorable way to ensure that employers remember you. Never give up; be persistent and in times of discouragement, push through and good things will come your way.”