March’s Mentee of the Month: Isaac Quiles CC'22

Congratulations to Isaac Quiles CC'22 for being selected as our Mentee of the Month for March. Isaac is a sophomore majoring in sustainable development. He is the VP of sustainability for 113th Residence Hall Council, a consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting, a coordinator for Columbia Youth Adventurers and a member of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Club.

Interview with Isaac Quiles CC'22

What advice would you give an alum who is looking to mentor a student?

There’s a certain type of beauty in not knowing how much your advice and assistance can affect the development and career path of an ambitious student who is curious about what the world can offer them. Use the gifts you have and the knowledge you can impart in order to change lives in the simplest of manners! My mentors have inspired me to keep using the resources I have around me and to continue building networks of supportive people.

What have your mentoring relationships looked like (e.g., phone calls, meeting in person, etc)?

I met my first mentor at a local restaurant, where she insisted she search for research positions of relevance and insisted she pay the bill, too! She spent the entire dinner getting to know who I was and asking me how I hoped to achieve my goals. Another mentor reached out and offered several time slots for me to reach her, even in another country. My mentors have always been extremely supportive of me!

What has been the most helpful part of being a mentee?

My favorite part is the very human aspect of meeting someone who might be in a job that you hope to have and allowing them to set your sights on beneficial prospects, such as internships or school organizations that can improve your position and strengthen your passions in the field.

What has been most surprising about being a mentee?

I am always amazed at the education similarities I share with my mentors, and I’m even more grateful when they tell me I’m doing the right thing! Even smaller examples of support have motivated me to continue making informed and positive decisions for my future.

About the Odyssey Mentoring Program

The Odyssey Mentoring Program (OMP) was founded on the belief that Columbia College students and alumni want to support one another, share stories and encourage one another’s success, thus creating a strong and tight-knit community. The College has more than 50,000 alumni working in myriad careers and around the country. OMP makes it possible for community members to connect in a variety of ways, from an email exchange to in-person meetings and small group gatherings.