Mentorship has always been at the heart of my work as an educator and researcher, but every now and then, students come along who reaffirm why this work is so meaningful. Anisha Gurung is one of those students.

When Anisha first arrived at The University of Akron, she faced many of the challenges common to first-generation students—navigating academia, finding a sense of belonging, and overcoming self-doubt. It was clear to me that she needed the right guidance and support to bring her potential to light.

Through our mentorship, I had the privilege of witnessing Anisha’s growth firsthand. We worked together on research exploring healthy consumption and well-being among refugee consumers, a topic deeply connected to her own background and experiences as a Nepalese refugee. She not only engaged in rigorous academic inquiry but also co-presented our research at the Society for Marketing Advances (SMA) conference in Tampa. Attending an academic conference gave Anisha the confidence that she, too, could do hard things. From almost-quitting-higher-ed to on-track-to-graduate, she has come quite far 🙂

But mentorship is more than academic collaboration—it’s about instilling confidence, fostering resilience, and opening doors. Through tough love mixed with supportive encouragement, Anisha learned to step outside her comfort zone, develop her voice, and embrace various opportunities.

Anisha’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship in higher education. It reaffirms my belief that when we invest in students—not just in their academic success but in their personal and professional growth—we create ripple effects that extend far beyond the classroom. As an educator, my greatest fulfillment comes from seeing students like Anisha find their voices, pursue their passions, and go on to inspire others.

I taught her the concept of paying forward. I need nothing in return from this mentorship and from her. However, I encourage her to inspire others, especially from her own community. I have no doubt that she will continue to make a meaningful impact in every space she enters. And for me, this experience reinforces why mentorship isn’t just part of my job—it’s my purpose.

Link to the article: https://www.uakron.edu/im/news/from-first-gen-student-to-mentor-how-anisha-gurung-found-her-voice-and-purpose-at-ua