August’s Mentee of the Month: Lauren Buehner CC'22

Congratulations to Lauren Buehner CC'22 for being selected as our Mentee of the Month for August. Lauren is a rising Sophomore and is studying Political Science with a concentration in Human Rights. She has connected with her mentor as part of the Odyssey Summer Match program.

Interview with Lauren Buehner CC'22

What has your Summer Match program experience been like?

I am so fortunate to have been matched with Nicole Oparaeke CC’11, whom I’ve gotten to know both in person and online. She has been an incredible source of keen and unfiltered advice on everything from my current internship to academics and athletics at Columbia. Her willingness to answer every question has given me valuable insight at the start of my career!

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

I think it is important for mentors to offer advice that extends beyond their industry. Nicole is active in the medical field, while I am studying humanities, but she is still able to offer insight about the professional world and its nuances. I would recommend providing broad guidance to mentees like me, who are just getting started in their careers.

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

As Nicole and I spoke more about her time at Columbia, I learned that her undergraduate background was similar to mine. Hearing about the path she forged during and after college has given me a clearer idea of what I want out of the next three years.

What has been most surprising about being a mentee?

Other mentees have said it and I will echo their opinions: The matching system works! This is something I cannot stress enough. I do not believe I could have found a mentor more suitable to guide me at this point in both my professional and academic careers without the Odyssey Mentoring Program.

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.