From Barriers to Breakthroughs: How Mentorship and Community Empower First-Gen Students

Reena and Anyce

At POE-South Bay, the heart of our mission lies in fostering connections that empower first-generation college students to overcome challenges and thrive. The story of Anyce, a POE mentee, and Reena, her mentor, is a testament to how mentorship can transform lives—not just through guidance, but through genuine, human connection.

“When I first joined POE back in 2017, I was completely overwhelmed,” Anyce recalled. “I didn’t know where to start with college. I felt like I was on my own trying to figure everything out. But then I met Reena, and suddenly, I had someone in my corner.”

Reena, who joined POE after a friend and former CEO introduced her to the program, remembers meeting Anyce for the first time. “She was so determined and capable, but you could tell she was carrying a lot of weight on her shoulders. I’ve been fortunate to build a career with the help of mentors, and I knew I wanted to pay that forward by helping someone like Anyce navigate her own journey.”

The two quickly bonded over shared conversations about challenges like imposter syndrome. “There were times I felt like I didn’t belong,” Anyce admitted. “I remember calling Reena and saying, ‘I don’t think I’m cut out for this.’ And she’d just calmly say, ‘You’re here because you earned it. Don’t let anyone—even yourself—tell you otherwise.’ It was exactly what I needed to hear.”

Reena reflected on those moments with a smile. “Imposter syndrome can be so isolating, but I remind Anyce, ‘This isn’t something you have to tackle alone. We’re a team.’ Watching her grow and step into her confidence has been one of the most rewarding parts of mentoring.”

When Anyce faced funding challenges during graduate school, she leaned on Reena’s support. “The NIH funding cuts made it so hard to find lab positions. I felt stuck,” Anyce said. “Reena helped me brainstorm solutions and even reached out to her network to connect me with opportunities. She didn’t just give advice—she took action to help me move forward.”

For Reena, this was a natural extension of what mentorship is all about. “It’s not just about giving guidance—it’s about opening doors. I’ve built a network over the years, and it’s been a privilege to use it to help Anyce find her footing. I know she’ll do the same for others someday.”

Both Anyce and Reena expressed gratitude for POE-South Bay. “Without POE, I don’t know where I’d be,” Anyce said. “It’s not just a scholarship—it’s a community that believes in you.” Reena added, “Programs like POE are so important because they fill the gaps that first-gen students face—financially, emotionally, and practically. I hope we can expand and reach even more students in the future.”

Their story isn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about building bridges. Together, Anyce and Reena have shown that with mentorship, community, and determination, first-gen students can break through barriers and achieve their dreams.