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: Nicole Pellini
Hometown: Westbrook, Connecticut
Major: Pellini will graduate with a B.S. in Psychology on May 7.
Post-graduation plans: Pellini will pursue her master’s in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. While working toward her degree, Pellini will also complete internship and practicum hours at sites near the school in order to achieve licensure upon graduation.
How HPU helped you get there: “The education and opportunities that High Point University has given to me is truly what brought me to where I am today. I never would have been able to choose between three amazing graduate programs if HPU faculty hadn’t assisted me with classwork, provided internship experience, or given me research opportunities. In addition to the learning aspect, I have also been granted the ability to be involved in organizations including Zeta Tau Alpha and Psi Chi, which have helped me thrive as a leader and a unique individual.“
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Although the entire faculty at HPU has greatly impacted my time here, Dr. Christopher Lootens has been one of the most influential professors I’ve had. He helped me discover my passion for abnormal psychology, which has paved the way for my future. Dr. Lootens has gone above and beyond to help me secure an amazing internship last semester with The Mental Health Associates of the Triad where I was able to lead group sessions for patients suffering from a variety of mental disorders. He also assisted me throughout the entire graduate school application process all while giving me the opportunity to work with him as his research assistant for the past two semesters. The advice he has given me has had a great impact on everything I do in the present and will continue to do in the future.“
Most impactful moment at HPU: “Deciding to attend a graduate program after speaking with a number of my professors was definitely my most impactful moment while attending this school. A year ago, I wouldn’t have even considered applying to be a possibility – I didn’t think I had what it took. HPU was able to help me realize my full potential as a student and now I have multiple school offers to show for it. That is one of the things I love the most about High Point University; nothing is impossible with a supportive network of individuals who are there to show you that you can do whatever you set your mind to. When HPU reached out to me to ask if I would like to be featured in this Class of 2016 Profile, I knew that all my hard work had paid off.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Never assume that any program, job, etc. is too much of a reach for you. With assistance and advice from the right people, you can achieve anything; you just have to want it.“