As previously mentioned, as part of CollegeFashionista’s commitment to empowering our readers and Style Gurus, we have launched the CollegeFashionista Mentorship Program. We have paired some of our current rockstar Style Gurus with CollegeFashionista alumni to act as mentors.
Each month, we will be checking-in with and highlight some of the mentor-mentee pairings to see what they have learned from one another through the process and sharing this insight with you the reader!
Meagan Sapashe, University of South Florida
What is your favorite part about being a mentee? My favorite part about being a mentee is having someone to talk to about post-graduation options. It’s nice to have a straightforward opinion from someone who isn’t biased one way or another. Plus, she went to the same university as me!
What is one thing you have learned from your mentor? I’ve learned a lot from my mentor, especially about the transition from university to career. She has also given some #RAD advice on interviews and resumes.
Describe your mentor in three words. Creative. Unique. Driven.
Aisha Hatter, Marketing Manager at CollegeFashionista
What is your favorite part about being a mentor? It’s really cool that someone is interested in hearing my advice. I feel like I was so recently in Meagan’s position and it feels good to be able to offer a perspective from the other side. I also love that she’s a USF Style Guru because that’s where all of this craziness began for me.
What is one thing you have learned from your mentee? I’ve learned so much from Meagan – she’s much more practical than me and takes the time to weigh her options instead of just jumping at the first thing she sees. I really respect that about her.
Describe your mentee in three words. Smart. Visual. Creative.
Andy Jackson, Delaware State University
What is your favorite part about being a mentee? My favorite part about being a mentee is being able to receive advice from someone who has already been through the difficult parts of getting to where they are now. I love hearing stories of what James went through, and how he succeeded in getting what he wanted!
What is one thing you have learned from your mentor? I have learned that you don’t have to go to the best school to get where you want to go or graduate from the top of your class. As long as you’re hungry, prepared and using your best manners, you’re able to do anything.
Describe your mentor in three words. Thoughtful. Relatable. Funny.
James Michael Vela, Fashion News Assistant at ELLE Magazine
What is your favorite part about being a mentor? Being a mentor means so much more than offering advice and tips on how to make it in the industry. Andy and I share so much in common and it’s been fun getting to know someone whose Instagram feed I obsessed over for quite some time now.
What is one thing you have learned from your mentee? Great styling tips and the coolest place to score the best vintage in Brooklyn, obviously.
Describe your mentee in three words. Enthusiastic. Funny. Approachable.