We recently connected with Stephanie, Flanigan scholar and SSP Class of 2021 alumna from Aquinas High School, to talk about the power of mentorship and her ongoing relationship with her mentor, Malabika.
Stephanie is a junior at NYU, majoring in Economics. During the Summer of 2023, she joined Morgan Stanley as a Sophomore Summer Analyst in the Institutional Equity Sales and Trading program. Previously, she took part in the Freshman Enhancement Program for Sales, Trading, and Research at Morgan Stanley. Read below for our insightful conversation with Stephanie.
What does mentorship mean to you?
During my time with Student Sponsor Partners, I experienced firsthand the transformative power
of mentorship, and my mentor embodied its essence. To me, mentorship involves an incredibly
personal and enriching connection, much like the support I received and continue to receive from
Malabika. My mentor not only guided me but provided encouragement in my educational
journey. My mentor was always there, listening attentively to my challenges and aspirations. She
believed in me when I doubted myself and urged me to aim higher. Her commitment to my
success was my source of inspiration. In essence, mentorship, as I experienced it through SSP
and still do now, is a profound connection where one person’s wisdom, guidance, and support
can truly change the trajectory of one’s life.
Can you provide some examples of how your mentor shaped your high school experience
and beyond?
One of the many ways in which Malabika and I kept in touch throughout high school was food!
From Italian to Japanese, and Thai food, I was always invited to go out and try the variety of
cuisines NYC had to offer. My high school experience was truly shaped by the continuous
practice of trying new things. I was able to take such practice to the school, trying out for several
clubs and going beyond my role as a student and becoming a tutor. Interestingly, this has shaped
my experience beyond high school. Attending a university like NYU, in which many of my peers
come from diverse backgrounds, I’ve been able to offer something similar. I encourage my peers
to try the many foods MacDougal Street has to offer, as well as invite them whenever I attend
taekwondo or find a new study spot around campus.
How was the college prep process, and how did the support given by your mentor
strengthen your academic achievements?
I had the privilege of receiving excellent preparation for the college application process because
of my mentor and Student Sponsor Partners. From the start, Malabika encouraged me to aim
high. It was her words of support that inspired me to consider applying to universities like NYU!
Whether it was resume building, essay editing, or scholarship interview preparation, my mentor
and SSP gave me valuable feedback. Malabika’s support has strengthened my academic
achievements, steering me towards a path of best practices and valuable courses. My journey
with my mentor has taught me that, when faced with an obstacle, believing in yourself and
working hard can lead to an incredibly rewarding experience.
What’s your favorite memory together?
Malabika and I have created numerous memories together, ranging from exploring various
restaurants in NYC to taking a dance class at the Alvin Ailey Dance Studio. Above all, my most
cherished memory is our first meeting. To this day, I vividly recall the excitement of getting
ready with my dad to meet her. As I saw Malabika sitting at the table, patiently waiting for us, I
couldn’t believe that someone who barely knew me was willing to soon become a significant part
of my life. Since day one, Malabika has shown me that it’s possible to balance work, create
meaningful life experiences, and show up for those you care for.
How has your mentorship impacted your career goals?
When I first started my professional journey, I had a general idea of where I wanted to go, but I
lacked direction and clarity. However, under the guidance of Malabika, I’ve been able to set
clear, achievable goals, and develop a strategic plan to reach them. My mentor has not only
provided me with valuable advice and insights but has also opened doors to opportunities I
wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. Most importantly, mentorship has taught me that with
confidence, persistent networking, and effective communication, one can navigate advancing
their career.
Can you talk about your internship with Morgan Stanley and your continued relationship
with Malabika who also works there?
My experience at Morgan Stanley has played a pivotal role in my professional development. From the Freshman Enhancement program to the Sophomore Summer Analyst program, Malabika has provided me with valuable insights into the finance industry. It was very helpful to receive guidance from my mentor, hear explanations on the workings of the stock market and share our thoughts after going through readings on the Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. During my internship, I gained hands-on experience and was able to collaborate with professionals across the sales and trading floor to propose business plans for senior management. An ongoing highlight of my internship was the valuable mentorship I received, where I learned from others about the significance of cultivating strong relationships and staying acutely aware of market trends.
