Meet Garrett, a senior from New Jersey and a member of HPU’s club hockey team. HPU’s club sports compete at the national level. With more than 30 teams in a variety of sports, nearly 1,000 students are involved. It’s an excellent way to join a close-knit group of friends, grow as athletes, and achieve a common goal. Garrett, you’re up.
– Thanks, Alex. Are you involved in high school sports right now and aren’t really ready to give that up? Or maybe you don’t want to compete at the division 1 level but still want to travel for competition. Maybe you’re looking to explore new passions. Well, I have the solution for you. Club sports. Club sports is a great way to stay active, have fun, make friends, and continue your athletic career. There are so many club sports options here at HPU in both men’s and women’s. There’s hockey, lacrosse, baseball, equestrian, esports. There’s just too many to list. Each sport is different, but you’ll generally have a few practices during the week, then throughout the year compete against other colleges. You even get to travel as a team for tournaments or games. So you’ll definitely find that competitive environment that you’re looking for. Many of our teams are nationally ranked and have competed on the biggest stages for their respective club sport. I’ve been a member of our club hockey team since my freshman year and I’ve made so many friends. And our team has been pretty successful. Like for last year, we won our conference championship, made it all the way to the final four at D2 Nationals. So we made national headlines and even took home some hardware. I’ve even been able to take my passion for sports beyond the ice. As a sports media major here at High Point, I had the opportunity to host a live pregame show on ESPNU, one of our men’s basketball games. It was a great experience for me to put to the test what I’ve been learning. HPU showed me that my passions in high school don’t have to end there. So whether you’re an experienced athlete looking for a high level of competition or a beginner looking to learn a new sport and make friends along the way, HPU Club Sports has a place for you. Passing it back to you, Alex.
– Sounds like Club Sports have allowed you to enjoy your college experience to the fullest by doing something you love outside of the classroom. Not to mention all the friendships. Club sports are one of the most sought after activities by incoming students, and HBU has plenty to join. Thanks again, Garrett. That was a great story.
Meet Cosmo, a 2024 alum and current law student. HPU is known as one of the most innovative schools in the country. They’re ranked number one by US News and World Report for being the most innovative campus for 10 consecutive years. Their investment in innovation goes beyond the undergraduate level, creating some of the most impressive graduate programs you will find. Cosmo, tell us more.
– Thanks, Alex. HPU is a part of my family, not only because I attended HPU, but so did my three siblings. When it was my time to pick a school, I thought beyond my first four years. HPU’s dedication to producing both extraordinary undergrad and graduate programs is why many students come here. I entered as a business major always knowing that law school was my ultimate goal. I was well prepared in undergrad to achieve my law school dream and deciding where I wanted to go was easy because, well, it’s here. That’s right. I was accepted to our Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law, and I chose to stay right here where my family has come to call home. But beyond that at home feeling, I knew the experience I gained in undergrad that shaped me into the well-rounded person I am today would carry over into my law education. So here I am continuing my journey at a place where I have great rapport with faculty and plenty of familiarity with the state of the art facilities. HPU has created some of the most prolific graduate and doctorate programs you’ll find. In addition to our law school, we have schools of dental medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and programs in physician assistant studies, nursing, business, physical therapy, education, and even more. Each with a rigorous curriculum and an emphasis on experiential learning that continues to stimulate real world scenarios. For example, I’ll spend a lot of time in our mock courtroom getting practice for my post-grad environment. Or you’ll find me in our pro bono law clinic working with veterans on real legal matters. I look forward to leading a successful career in law, and I wouldn’t want my time in school to be anywhere else other than HPU. Back to you, Alex.
– We are blown away. You were so right. The investment HPU makes in your education is unprecedented, offering not only impressive undergraduate education, but innovative postgraduate opportunities as well. HPU’s academics shine yet again and continue to produce stellar grads on all levels. Thanks, Cosmo.
Meet Kendall, a junior studying psychology and dance. HPU is ranked in the nation’s top 50 for first year experiences by the U.S. News and World Report. With 168 hours in a week, you spend about 20 in class. What about the rest of your time? HPU puts emphasis on wellness and recreation, ensuring you can relax and have fun. Kendall, tell us more.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Your college experience extends beyond academics. HPU cares about you, and that means your health and wellness both in and out of the classroom. After a hard day’s work, treat yourself to a campus spa day, because here you can really do it. On campus, you can find your zen and your fun daily. You can get your sweat on in our spin studio, get your nails done, enjoy movie and arcade nights, spend time at one of our seven pools or relax by fire pits. As a certified fitness instructor on campus, I teach classes in yoga and step cardio. Our rec services offer 40 plus weekly classes in cycling, dance, muscle conditioning and so much more, all led by students. For self-care, you can go to the campus hair or nail salon at Panther Commons, one of our three student centers. Each center offers dining, fitness centers and plenty of ways to relax all on campus. Each year is filled with fun events like our student concert, where we’ve had artists like Flo Rida, T-Pain, J. Cole, Jason Derulo and more. There are so many other events just like that for you to have fun and make new memories, and you can’t get that anywhere else. Intense academics are balanced with ample opportunities to help you unwind and take care of your physical and mental well-being. Your freshman year can be overwhelming with new workloads and social adjustments, but HPU helps ease the transition. You’ll have a success coach to guide you and help with class choices, major selection and campus connections. They’ll assist you in finding clubs, events and ways to meet new people. HPU values both classroom learning and time outside of it, which allows you to learn, live and love your college experience. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Kendall, that sounds amazing. It’s so important to have a balanced lifestyle in college. Transitioning into college is a huge step, and it’s great to know HPU has systems in place to make it easier for you. Thanks again, Kendall.
Meet Annie, a 2024 alum who works with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. If you saw HPU’s first episode, you remember that HPU is focused on you, the student, focused on outcomes, getting you that dream job and connecting you to industry leading companies. Annie, tell us how HPU provides students the tools to land internships that set them up for success. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. When touring colleges, internships might not be the first thing on your mind as a high schooler, but I promise they’re crucial to landing your dream job. I chose HPU for its commitment to helping students land top tier networking and my parents appreciated the internship guarantee program. A job with the NBA was my dream and HPU made that possible. A group of students and I traveled to the Dallas Mavericks headquarters to shadow CEO of the Mavs, Cynt Marshall. She’s HPU’s sports executive in residence and frequently visits campus to mentor students. While in Dallas, we connected with executives, explored our dream careers and attended a game to complete the experience. This unique trip is just one example of the many student focused opportunities HPU offers. Each year, cohorts of students participate in externships in cities like New York and Washington, D.C., where they engage with companies like the NFL, Ralph Lauren, the Today show and J.P. Morgan. Additionally, HPU sends its students to the Masters each year, gaining hands on experiences in sales, event planning and catering. At HPU, you are guaranteed an internship. The Career and Professional Development Office is dedicated to helping students succeed, offering personalized support with resume building, interview practice and even guidance on how to dress to impress. The annual Career and Internship Expo brings more than 100 companies to campus, all eager to hire HPU students. Plus, you can get complimentary professional headshots taken, ensuring you’re ready to make a strong impression in the professional world. I wouldn’t be where I am today without HPU. They turn my dreams into reality, and I’m deeply thankful for the abundance of opportunities and unwavering support they provided. Not just for me, but for everyone’s professional growth. Back to you, Alex.
– Annie, you took advantage of everything offered to you and turned it into the start of a successful career. HPU propels its students to new levels and opportunities like those that make them stand out to employers. HPU is nationally ranked in the top 10 for career services, and it’s obvious why. Thanks again.
Meet Lauren, a junior from Maryland and a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, here to tell us what it means to go Greek. More than one third of students are involved in Greek life here. With a total of 18 national fraternities and sororities ranging from social to academic and service fraternities, at HPU, you are certain to find your home. Take it away, Lauren.
– Thanks, Alex. I’m not exaggerating when I say joining Greek life at HPU has been life changing for me. I’ve met my best friends, made unforgettable memories and have had incredible experiences. I rushed as a freshman and have loved every moment. Greek life fosters a close knit community within the campus. Each chapter has a service component, teaching the importance of giving back to both local and global communities. Each organization supports a philanthropy, raising thousands of dollars towards their cause. For example, Kappa Alpha Order, one of our fraternities, established a national organization that raises funds to present track chairs to disabled veterans at our annual Veterans Day celebration. And now more than 70 chapters across the country have adopted this philanthropy. We have an amazing Greek village with houses for each organization where members live, hang out and host events. There’s even a pool exclusively for Greek members. Freshmen can rush during the first semester of their freshman year. You visit all organizations to find the best fit for you. Then the most important day comes, bid day. It’s a day to celebrate our newest members. Everyone has a fun theme and a big celebration, and that’s just the start. I look forward to our formal events and Greek Week, where you’re paired up with other Greek organizations and have a friendly competition through service events and athletics. It’s one of the most popular events in Greek life and brings everyone together for a fun time. Being in my sorority has also given me additional leadership opportunities, equipping me with skills I’ll take to the workforce. Joining Greek life at HPU will be one of your best decisions. It’s not just a sisterhood or brotherhood for four years. It’s a new family that will support you for life. Back to you, Alex.
– Lauren, sounds like Greek life has had such a positive impact on you and many others at HPU. Getting involved in philanthropy, making friends and having fun, it enables you to become deeply connected to the campus and create unbreakable bonds. What a special experience. Thanks, Lauren.
Meet CJ, a sophomore studying sports journalism from North Carolina. At HPU, experiential learning is a pillar of the university’s educational model. It’s about stepping beyond the textbook and learning through practice so students are prepared for the situations they’ll face in their career. By graduation, they have the experience of a seasoned pro. CJ, you’re up.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. I wanted a college where I could dive into hands on work right away. And HPU provided that more than any other school I visited. Classrooms at HPU are unique and small. Unlike bigger schools, we don’t have 500 seat lecture halls where professors never know your name. Instead, you’ll be in real world settings with professors who bring practical experience. For instance, I take classes in our cutting edge TV studio, running from Professor Joe Michaels, who directed the Today show for 22 years. But that’s just one example. You might find yourself in our trading room or biomechanics lab doing research as a freshman. Our surrounding city of High Point is the furniture capital of the world. Students majoring in everything from interior design to marketing and business gain experience and connections during the biannual furniture market. The best part, you won’t have to wait until your senior year to get hands on experience. You’ll start right away. During my freshman year, I visited the Dallas Mavericks headquarters as part of an annual trip. HPU arranges for students and shadowed Maverick’s CEO, Cynt Marshall, who serves as sports executive in residence at HPU. She regularly visits campus to mentor and connect with students. In Dallas, we connected with executives, explored career opportunities, and even attended a game. None of my friends at other schools were doing stuff like this their freshman year, and my parents loved that I was building my professional network so early. All of these experiences are meant to prepare you for the real world. HPU has given me the confidence to face industry challenges head on, and I know the hands on learning will be the key to landing my dream job. Back to you, Alex.
– CJ, you’re ready for the real world. It’s no wonder 99% of HPU students have jobs or further their education within six months of graduating. Students have entire portfolios of projects and experiences to display when their four years are finished, making them ideal candidates for employers. Thanks again, CJ. That was awesome.
Did you know that in college, students eat more than 3,400 meals? So dining should be an important aspect. Meet Anthony, a senior from New York. HPU takes college food to the next level, earning recognition as the number one dining experience for 13 consecutive years. It’s gotten the attention of students and famed foodie influencers. Anthony, let’s dig in.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. As soon as I stepped on this campus, I could see myself thriving in this environment. The academics are stellar, which is really important to me. But I recognize that while, yes, you’ll be working hard and studying hard, college is a place where you’ll be living and living means eating. So HPU’s food was the cherry on top. HPU has over 20 dining locations offering a wide variety of options. Grab your morning coffee from one of six places on campus. Stop for a breakfast omelet served up by Miss Kristy in the cafe. Or stop by our complimentary grab and go kiosks on the way to class. For lunch, enjoy one of our all you can eat locations or build your own Mediterranean experience in our beautiful butterfly cafe and top off that meal with the best gelato you’ve ever had. Meet up with friends at our free weekly food trucks and for dinner. Imagine getting dressed up for a fine dining experience at one of our three fine dining learning labs, 1924 Prime, Kazoku, or Alo. These restaurants not only offer unique and delicious fine dining experiences, but as you dine, you’re taught proper dining etiquette. That way, you’ll be comfortable dining in similar settings, such as future interviews or business deals over a meal. It’s all a part of HPU’s life skills learning model. And yes, it’s all part of your meal plan. My go to dining locations are found in our newest living community, Panther Commons. We have a pizza shop, burrito spot, a brunch place, and Kazoku, our new hibachi restaurant. HPU understands that college food isn’t something you should endure, but enjoy. Join me for a meal next time you’re on campus. Back to you, Alex.
– Anthony, we need one of everything. How cool is it that HPU has crafted a recipe for success in and out of the classroom, offering unique opportunities to dine and learn in ways that help students in the real world. Thanks again, Anthony.
It’s time to meet Aaliyah. She recently graduated from Fullerton College with an associate’s degree in the arts with plans to go back and obtain a second degree in communications. She’s here to tell us how photography changed her life and what the future holds for her at Fullerton College. Aaliyah, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Senior of high school, I had no clue where to go to college, let alone my major. As amazing as the school is, I came here, because I didn’t know where else to go. Little did I know that Fullerton College was gonna impact my life in amazing ways. I come from an art-centered family, but before I was a photographer, I grew up as an athlete, so when I picked out my first camera, I knew sports was gonna be my focus. Here at Fullerton, our photography professors really prepare you for the industry of your choosing, because they value your growth and push you to explore new skills. Photography’s an art that takes no fear. Yet, as a woman working in a male-dominated industry, it can be intimidating. Whenever I feel scared, I remember it’s my job to inspire people, to capture individual stories in my own artistic way, to show their talents and who they are as a person. It’s a lot of fun, but a lot of work. Balance is important, so when I’m not shooting or editing, I’m most likely with my friends. We love a group hangout, whether that’s the beach, a courtyard on campus, or multiple rounds of competitive UNO, we just love being together. Fullerton Photography Department has given me experience working with models, doing location shoots, portfolio building, and teaching me how to shoot in its two full studios and state-of-the-art printing lab. Learn the rules like a professional, so you can break them like an artist. I’ve learned my own sense of style, incorporating my creativity in everything that I shoot while sustaining the important rules of what it takes to be a progressing photographer. At Fullerton College, you’ll learn to do both. Back to you, Alex.
– Amazing, Aaliyah. With resources like the photography studio and printing lab, students like you are getting great hands-on experience and it sounds like your professors are there every step of the way. Stay creative, Aaliyah, and thanks for sharing your story.
Okay, let’s meet Andrew, a sophomore from right here in Fullerton, here to tell us all about the theater arts program. Fullerton College offers one of the most diversified theater curriculum and ambitious production schedules of all community colleges. The Theater Arts Department is strongly committed to transfer education, professional training, and community service. Andrew, tell us all about it.
– Thank you, Alex. Growing up, I never imagined that I would go anywhere but Fullerton College. When my dad was getting his associate’s degree here, he would occasionally bring me to see his classes and I heard nothing but good things about the theater program here, so it was a foregone conclusion that I would attend. Our theater program is amazing. There’s something for everyone, even if you’re not the acting type. We have set and costume shops where students can volunteer to assist with the productions happening this semester. Students have a hands-on role in plays, acting on stage, designing and building sets, even managing sound and lights. Fullerton College Theater puts the students first. Fullerton College also offers extra support through its tutoring programs, something I benefited from directly last year, it made a world of difference. So you can imagine my surprise when my English professor recommends that I train as a writing tutor, and after a semester of training, I’m now a writing center tutor. I can pay their effort forward to help other students who need that extra support. Fullerton College also offers a number of support programs for its students, including the Promise Program where the first two years of college are completely free. The Promise Program is for students who have never attended college before and are enrolled in at least 12 units per semester. It’s perfect for both students who still need time to figure out what they want in life, and determine students who want to knock out their degree requirements before transferring. In my short time here, I’ve already had so many great experiences. Even though my plan is to transfer to Cal State Fullerton down the street next year, I’ll never forget my time here at Fullerton College. Once a Hornet, always a Hornet. Now back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Andrew, how cool is it that you and your dad both attended Fullerton College and look at you now? Sounds like there are tons of opportunities for students on stage and behind the scenes and with resources like the Promise Program, there is no limit to what students can do here. Thanks again.
Let’s hear from Maricela. She’s a freshman majoring in film directing with minors in business and Bible theology. Even though she’s just a freshman, it doesn’t mean she’s not far along in her college career. Maricela, tell us how you got a jumpstart on your education. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. My school and academic accomplishments are super-important to me. I have goals that I wanna reach and I wanna reach them as soon as I possibly can. I think my story’s pretty unique, ’cause I started Fullerton College my junior year of high school. They offer dual enrollment programs where students could take college courses for free while still in high school to gain college credit. Fullerton College professors came to my high school and taught three different college courses. Fast forward to my senior year of high school, I was a special admin student and took a class on campus. To be honest, I was a little nervous being on campus for the first time, but I noticed the friendliness from the students and the support from my instructors to help students like me grasp the subjects. As I began my freshman year here at Fullerton College, I am proud to say that I’ve completed one out of two years of my general education, thanks to the dual enrollment program. Anybody could take advantage of these academic opportunities and get a headstart. It’s a great way to finish your general education requirements and gain transferable credits to a four-year college or university and even graduate from Fullerton College with a degree or a certificate. I am now able to transfer to my dream four-year college where I will be majoring in film directing, minoring in business and Bible theology. Being part of the film industry has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I am so excited to stop dreaming about the films that I wanna make and actually start making them. I would not be where I am today without the immense support from Fullerton College. That’s a wrap, back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Maricela. We have no doubt you’ll be able to create the films you’ve been dreaming of. Fullerton College’s dual enrollment program enables high school students to take college courses earning both high school and college credits simultaneously. This saves on costs, reduces the time needed to complete a degree, and ensures a smooth transition to college. Thanks again, Maricela.