As our fall mentorship program begins to draw to a close, we’re celebrating the amazing connections that were made this semester. Turns out, pairing rockstar Style Gurus with incredible alumni results in some true dream teams.
The best part about this program is that it is a mutually-beneficial learning experience. Our mentors and mentees were gracious enough to share their learnings, so that we can all walk away feeling more knowledgeable and empowered. True #GuruGang goals.
Melissa Epifano, University of Oregon
CollegeFashionista: What’s your favorite part about being a mentee?
Melissa Epifano: My favorite part about being a mentee was connecting with someone who had similar interests and career goals as me. The program allowed me to learn a lot about the industry I’m headed into. I feel like a lot of people don’t really like to offer solid advice and meaningful tips for breaking into your field. It’s usually pretty vague and it seems like they don’t care too much about your goals. But with my mentor, I was able to ask questions and get honest, helpful answers which meant the world to me.
CF: What’s one thing you learned from your mentor?
ME: I’ve learned so much from her and it’s hard to narrow down one thing. She taught me that it’s important to love what you’re going into and that it’s okay if you don’t start out right in your dream job. She also explained the importance of taking away lessons from each person you work with, since everyone has their own experiences and perspectives.
CF: Describe your mentor in three words.
ME: Genuine, ambitious, and talented.
Ariana Marsh, Fashion News Associate at Teen Vogue
CollegeFashionista: What’s your favorite part about being a mentor?
Arianna Marsh: My favorite part about being a mentor is getting to share career advice with my mentee that I wish I had received when I was in college. My mentee is a total badass (a very talented one at that!) and I’m excited to have to opportunity to help someone with such a passion for fashion and writing navigate the industry. She’s also just an extremely cool person overall and it’s been great meeting someone with similar interests as me!
CF: What’s one thing you learned from your mentee?
AM: Melissa’s Instagram feed is a daily lesson in how to curate a cool and cohesive grid, which is not my strong point! Her eye is amazing and her photos inspire me on the regular. She also just introduced me to Darling Magazine, which is based in Los Angeles. I had never heard of it before but when she told me that it features gorgeous imagery that’s never photoshopped I jumped to check it out. It is indeed very beautiful and the written content rocks as well.
CF: Describe your mentor in three words.
AM: Future masthead topper
Ally Zacek, DePaul University
CollegeFashionista: What’s your favorite part about being a mentee?
Ally Zacek: My favorite thing about being a mentee is getting to talk to my mentor and get to know her! I love hearing about all of the cool opportunities that Olivia has had in the past and things that she is doing currently. It gives me a lot to look forward to and aspire to.
CF: What’s one thing you learned from your mentor?
AZ: One thing I’ve learned from my mentor is that you never really know where you could end up. I’ve also learned that sometimes working for younger publications or brands can be rewarding since you get to help build it up and see where it goes!
CF: Describe your mentor in three words.
AZ: Ambitious, hard-working, and super in-the-know!
Olivia Muenter,Fashion & Beauty Editor at Bustle
CollegeFashionista: What’s your favorite part about being a mentor?
Olivia Muenter: I love being able to talk to someone who is where I was just a few years ago! It feels good to be able to offer whatever knowledge I have to offer and make a friend in the process.
CF: What’s one thing you learned from your mentee?
OM: My mentee reminds me how inspiring college students are! To be so motivated and young is a reminder to me to really appreciate my job and to be creative every single day.
CF: Describe your mentor in three words.
OM: Way-cooler-than-me-seriously, chic, sweet.
