January’s Mentee of the Month: Mrinalini Sisodia Wadhwa CC'24

Congratulations to Mrinalini Sisodia Wadhwa CC'24 for being selected as our Mentee of the Month for January. Mrinalini is a first-year with an intended double major in History and Mathematics. She is a staff writer for the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review, a novice debater in the Columbia Debate Society, a volunteer mathematics tutor for MasteryHour Tutoring, and a member of the Columbia Historical Association and the Columbia Undergraduate Mathematics Society.

Interview with Mrinalini Sisodia Wadhwa CC'24

Have you connected with alumni during the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, what has that experience been like?

As a first-year, I experienced the Odyssey program in the Fall 2020 term, months after the pandemic had begun. I found my experience of connecting with an alum to be a meaningful one, especially given the unconventional transition to college that all of us in CC'24 faced. Speaking to my mentor was valuable, both to hear about their academic and professional journey, and also to hear about the many moments, from arts classes to places on campus, that made their time at Columbia memorable years later. These conversations give me something tangible to look forward to as I think of our class being able to be on campus together in the future, and reinforce that there is a larger Columbia community there to support us through this transition period and the whole journey, even as we attend college scattered across the world.

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

I was hand-matched with my mentor through the 1:1 Mentoring Match that happened this Fall. I was in touch with my alumni mentor through email, and also met virtually via a video call.

What has been most helpful being a mentee?

Realizing that you have a supportive community to back you up, and hearing what it's like to actually pursue a career path or a major that you're drawn to. It seems like we've been learning about new ways to get to know other students or pursue certain pre-professional tracks and academic fields since Orientation. Hearing from someone who has been there, and navigated through these opportunities and paths to get to where they are now, is really helpful!

What has been most surprising about being a mentee?

Appreciating the breadth of experiences that CC alumni have -- often including areas other than their major or concentration and current industry -- and how these weave together!

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.