Hometown
Staten Island, New York
Company
Timothy Brown Studio
HPU graduates are leading 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 graduate from the Class of 2022:
Name: Emma Lynch
Hometown: Staten Island, New York
Major: Interior design
Post-graduation plans: Lynch joined Timothy Brown Studio in New York City, New York, as a junior interior designer. She works closely with Timothy Brown and the design team to create luxury spaces for clients throughout New York City and East Hampton, New York. She develops AutoCAD (computer-aided design) plans, sources furniture, fixtures and equipment for projects and assists in communication with clients and contractors.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU professors in the Department of Home Furnishings and Interior Design prepare students for the industry as it is going to be in the future. The David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design works to produce students who are ahead of the curve and have a growth mindset. This is why design firms look for High Point University students. They teach us to use our resources, think outside the box and go beyond the scope of work that is expected of us to create something far better. When I was first looking for an internship, the Office of Career and Professional Development was an open-door resource. They helped me shape my resume, build my LinkedIn profile and showed me ways to search and apply for internships.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Cathy Nowicki, assistant professor of home furnishings and interior design, was my most impactful mentor and guided me throughout my four years at HPU. I went to her my freshman year to ask about the High Point Market and she pointed me in the right direction for my first home furnishings market-related job. It came full circle during my senior year when I asked her for guidance during the job process. She assured me of my decision and made sure I chose a design firm that would allow me to explore more of the industry and provide me with the best experience. Her door was always open for me to ask questions and get advice about the job search and the industry as a whole. Even after graduation, she has always made me feel comfortable to reach out and show her everything I have accomplished since I left HPU.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “Dr. Nido Qubein’s President’s First-Year Seminar on Life Skills has always stuck with me. The messages he would instill in us every session taught us to think about and build upon our character. From his seminars, I wanted to be a person that people can rely on and go to for anything. I wanted to be a leader and show companies that High Point University shapes students that move forward with faithful courage and choose to be extraordinary. The seminars allowed me to reflect and structure my life around the pillars that Dr. Qubein instilled in us – God, family and country.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to my success because it pushed me to go after the finer things in life. I have heard parents ask Dr. Qubein ‘Why do you make the campus so grand? It makes life after graduation look bland and unrealistic,’ and Dr. Qubein always responds with ‘Why shouldn’t our students have the finer things in life?’ He is 100% right. This campus has allowed us to walk among leaders, explore fine cuisines through our several fine-dining options and more. Why should we not aim for this kind of lifestyle? Why should we not push ourselves to immerse ourselves in different cultures and experiences? The campus has pushed me to be like the leaders we walk with and encouraged me to learn about the places I have and have not seen.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU helped me develop communication and organization skills that will benefit me in the long term. As an interior designer, clear communication is the most important part of the job while working with contractors, upholsterers, vendors and clients. Not many people can see what a designer envisions, so it is important to articulate and paint the full picture. Organizing day-to-day plans allows me to lay out my scope of work to the best of my ability. You may have your day planned for work, but something always comes up that throws you a curve ball. Being able to work with it and not see it as a defeat but take it and run with it, is the best you can do. There is no point in stressing, everything falls as it should.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “God, family and country are the values and virtues HPU has helped me develop. From my first to last time on campus, I have grown in those areas because Dr. Qubein welcomes students who have those same values. This is why I came to HPU. I am successful when I have those three components in my life and that is exactly what HPU has allowed me to grow my love and appreciation for.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Get involved! This is not only important in building friendships, but it is important in making connections. For interior design students, work the High Point Furniture Market. You meet so many industry professionals and have the opportunity to learn more about different sectors of the industry. Internships are the best way to find your niche. You learn more through hands-on experience than you do in the classroom, but this will also allow you to explore your interests and solidify your decision in your career.”
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