Changed Opinions

During my senior year, if someone would have asked me what my top college choices were, High Point University was not on the list. Actually, I truly hated HPU when I first toured. I was overwhelmed with doubt that HPU was a place of no success.

So what changed? In March, Joe Christy invited me personally to HPU to hopefully sway my thoughts. In the 25 minute rainy car ride to HPU, my Dad encouraged me to keep an open perspective because one bad tour can not be the base for an entire university. Walking through HPU and hearing about how "HPU is for me" and in one moment, HPU felt like home. I could not explain to you why it felt like home, but that night my dad but a deposit down. I have been a Panther ever since.

So what is the life of a Panther? The definition of the college experience to me is " transition." We have left the nest and now are trying to soar, and not only that we are trying to find ourselves. We also have to make new friends, explore extra- circular activities, and excel in our courses. But honestly, it is going so much better than expected.

Making New Friends. Many people define me as a social outgoing person and I would agree on their opinion through my classes, I have met amazing friends that I can explore this journey of college that we are on together. One of my favorite memory thus far has been our Hanging Rock adventure. On Saturday morning, a huge group of my friends and I went to go climb to the peak of the mountain. Not only did we sweat a lot, it was our first bonding moment. I am excited to grow my relationship with my friends as we continue through college.

Exploring Extra- Circular Activities. One of the reasons that I committed to HPU is because I met Whitney Neal and Amy Loflin in Student Employment in March with Joe Christy and they offered me a job in Student Employment. I absolutely love my job and the opportunities that it helps me with in my majors. I also divulged in clubs like the spirit club of HPU and also service club. I am in the process of becoming a Big Sister for an orphaned child.

Excelling in Courses. During my high school academic career, I took many AP courses and this allowed me to understand and practice organization and strong note taking skills. Not only that but I was blessed with amazing instructors for this past semester that went above and beyond to help me. With hard work and amazing instructors I was able to be placed on the Dean's list for this semester.

Overall, I am motivated and encouraged by my first semester in college. I am grateful that there was a change of opinions that led me to committing to High Point University. We will have to wait and see what other dreams that I will accomplish at HPU.