Going to college is a time of milestones, whether it’s declaring a major, getting an internship, commencement, or getting accepted into graduate or professional school. But it’s the smaller moments that have the potential for the greatest impact, like a conversation during office hours.

For third-year psychology student Samridhi Panwar, a discussion with a professor ultimately helped shape her academic and professional path.

Starting Conversations

While preparing to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2027 and to apply to graduate school, Panwar enrolled in Introduction to Statistics, a course many psychology students consider among the most challenging in the program. There, she met Joanne Ullman, an assistant professor-in-residence in psychology and a member of the Rebel Career Champions Network (RCCN).

Like many students balancing competing responsibilities, Panwar was facing academic and personal challenges. Instead of waiting until the problems overwhelmed her, she contacted Ullman early in the semester to discuss her situation and ask questions about course expectations. 

"She proactively reached out to me,” Ullman said of Panwar. “She demonstrated impressive self-awareness and communication skills, and truly served as a partner in her learning."

What began as conversations about coursework gradually evolved into a mentorship. Through office-hour visits and regular check-ins, the two built a rapport that extended beyond assignments and exams.

"We went from basic coursework guidance to broader discussions about professional development," Ullman said.

For Panwar, conversations about her journey after graduating from UNLV became a major source of direction during a period of uncertainty.

Finding a Path Forward

Panwar was undergoing a major academic transition when she first reached out to Ullman. Originally a biology major, she realized that psychology better aligned with her interests and long-term goals. Like many students who switch majors, she had questions about which opportunities to pursue, how to prepare for graduate school, and how to make the most of her undergraduate career.

“Ullman helped me transition into psychology and look for opportunities that I would be interested in. She helped me map out my schedule, my time management, and how I could use my time to best prepare for graduate school," Panwar said.

Ullman introduced Panwar to research assistant opportunities, encouraged her to explore volunteer experiences, and helped her identify ways to gain exposure to the professional fields she hoped to enter.

When Panwar later considered enrolling in a course offered by a highly respected institution outside UNLV, Ullman encouraged her to think beyond the credential and to use it as a networking opportunity, seeking experiences that would help her build practical skills and professional connections.

Underrated Skills

Throughout her college experience, Panwar found roadblocks common among students: time-management difficulties, low motivation, high stress, and burnout.

"There was a time when everything felt urgent at once," she said.

To regain control, she focused on setting three priority tasks each day, using planners and digital calendars to organize her schedule, and creating routines that helped her stay consistent. She also stressed the importance of breaking large assignments into smaller tasks, taking regular study breaks, avoiding last-minute cramming, and prioritizing sleep during stressful periods.

Her advice to students is not to wait until you’re struggling, but to get ahead of the situation and show up for yourself. 

"Action creates motivation," she said. "It's not the other way around. Go to office hours and build a relationship with your professor. Let the professor get to know you, and get to know them."

She also recommended working with classmates to compare notes and identify shared questions before meeting with professors.

"Don't be afraid to ask basic questions," she said. "Those conversations can help more than you think."

For Ullman, Panwar exemplifies what can happen when students fully engage with their strong Rebel community of professors, peers, and faculty who are here to help them succeed.

"Out of more than 10 years of teaching, Samridhi ranks in the top 5 percent of students I've encountered who possess these qualities. The ability to adapt, integrate, and continue learning helps students thrive."

She encouraged students not to overlook one of the greatest advantages of higher education: access to people with diverse expertise and experiences.

"Belonging to a university community is a unique privilege," she said. "Students can use this opportunity to explore potential fields while developing valuable skills like resilience and emotional intelligence."

Success and Career Readiness

While Panwar applies for a master’s program in developmental and cognitive psychology, she is now working in an entry-level role in the mental health field, where she is quickly earning expanded responsibilities.

“I have found meaningful work that I am genuinely passionate about, and I’m excited about the direction my interests are taking,” Panwar said.

Ullman encourages faculty to join the Rebel Career Champions network to help promote career readiness in UNLV students. Their relationship serves as a reminder that there is more to be found beyond the classroom, including guidance, connections, and resources that help Rebels thrive.