“I wouldn’t be the writer I am today if it weren’t for my time at HPU or the extraordinary mentorship of my professors.” – Jodi Guglielmi, ‘15 writer at People Magazine
Beginning with the
End in Mind
Kate Hudson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and John Krasinski walk into a room. It might sound like the beginning to a joke, but it’s actually a dream-turned-reality for High Point University alumna Jodi Guglielmi. A 2015 graduate, Guglielmi is a writer for People Magazine. Working in both digital and print, the Orlando, Florida, native now lives in New York City and has worked for the magazine for over a year. In that time, her duties as a member of the editorial team have expanded greatly, affording her opportunities to meet and interview celebrities and attend exclusive events like the Toronto International Film Festival. “While I was there, I helped out in our photo and video studio where numerous casts from the films premiering at the festival gathered to take portrait photos and record video interviews,” says Guglielmi. “I spent time escorting A-list stars including Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Jennifer Garner, Jason Sudeikis and more around the studio and even conducted a few of the video interviews.”
Even while attending Hollywood’s most exclusive affairs, Guglielmi often finds herself right back in Dr. Bobby Hayes’ copy editing class in the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication. She finds herself going back to the fundamentals of journalism she gained at HPU. As an undergraduate, Guglielmi was taught by industry professionals who prioritized experiential learning and real-world lessons, preparing her for the workforce. “My professors really took a personal interest in making sure that I succeeded,” she says. “Whenever I had any questions, they were always available to assist me.” She catches herself referring to the Associated Press Stylebook, a guide she practically memorized at HPU, and thinks of the times professors drilled her on grammar rules. She speaks to lawyers or consults court documents for a story in her work for People, all the while recalling lessons she learned from her time covering the courts for Dr. Nahed Eltantawy’s convergent journalism class. “I learned my most important writing lessons this way,” says Guglielmi. “I definitely wouldn’t be the writer I am today if it weren’t for my time at HPU or the extraordinary mentorship of my professors.”
highpoint.edu
27