From virtual connections to lifelong friends: Sabita (L) and Sarah (R) finally meet in person during the UNC Water and Health Conference.
Welcome to “Voices of Change,” a blog series dedicated to sharing the transformative stories of individuals who have participated in our Women in WASH Mentorship Program, in collaboration with the Rural Water Supply Network. Through the eyes of these emerging leaders, we witness the power of mentorship, cultural exchange, and professional growth within the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector.
We invite you to explore these stories with us and join in celebrating the inspiring individuals who are shaping the future of WASH!
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Empowering Each Other: A Near-Peer Mentorship Journey
Sarah’s Reflection
When I signed up to be a mentor to Sabita Adhikari, I knew it would be a learning experience for both of us—but I didn’t expect it to be quite as impactful as it turned out to be. Over the past six months, Sabita and I navigated the complexities of academia together, and this near-peer mentorship became a mutually enriching journey.
Through Agenda for Change’s PushFar portal, we first connected and established clear mentorship goals. Sabita was seeking guidance on work-life balance, navigating relationships with her professors, and transitioning from school to the professional world. Meanwhile, I hoped to address challenges associated with fieldwork and learn how to better support others while pursuing my PhD. We set regular check-ins over Zoom and WhatsApp, keeping communication open and honest.
Unlike traditional mentorship experiences, the near-peer model was unique because Sabita and I were at similar stages of our PhD journeys. For instance, during a stressful phase of multiple deadlines, we exchanged time management strategies and tips for prioritizing what matters most. We also bonded over fieldwork challenges: Sabita’s work in Nepal shared similarities with my fieldwork in Kenya. Her insights on storing samples and keeping field assistants motivated were invaluable when I encountered similar hurdles.
One of my favorite moments was meeting Sabita in person when she presented her research at the Water and Health Conference at UNC Chapel Hill. It was a joy to see her shine in person after months of virtual collaboration!
This mentorship reminded me that mentorship is a two-way street. I found myself deeply reflecting on my own PhD journey and rethinking how I approach challenges in my work. For any graduate student considering mentorship through Agenda for Change, I highly recommend it. It’s an excellent opportunity to grow together and support one another through the ups and downs of graduate school life.
Sabita’s Perspective
After nearly a decade working in Nepal’s WASH sector, mentorship has been a defining element of my career. Mentors have shaped my growth and inspired me along the way. When I began my PhD at the University of Sydney, I sought a new challenge and signed up for the RWSN and Agenda for Change mentorship program. That’s how I met Sarah.
Reading Sarah’s profile on PushFar felt like finding a kindred spirit. Like me, she was in the final stages of her PhD, and although our research topics weren’t identical, we faced many similar challenges. Over the course of the mentorship, we both found ourselves back in our home countries conducting fieldwork—mine in Nepal and Sarah’s in Kenya. Sampling and microbiological testing in remote settings was demanding, and sharing experiences made a big difference.
Our regular Zoom and WhatsApp calls became a safe space to vent about setbacks and celebrate wins. We talked about adjusting to life in new academic environments and being far from family. Sarah shared invaluable advice on time management and setting boundaries for work-life balance.
One of the most exciting milestones in our journey was meeting Sarah in person at the Water and Health Conference in Chapel Hill—a dream we’d discussed during our very first meeting. Everything aligned perfectly, and my research abstract was accepted for the conference. Meeting Sarah brought our mentorship full circle, turning what started as a professional relationship into a deep friendship.
While the experience was overwhelmingly positive, there were challenges. Coordinating our meetings across time zones and fieldwork schedules wasn’t always easy, and the PushFar platform took some getting used to. Still, these hurdles were minor compared to the immense value of our connection.
I’m profoundly grateful for this mentorship program. It not only enriched my PhD journey but also opened doors for potential future collaborations. For anyone considering near-peer mentorship, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s an opportunity to grow, support each other, and create meaningful connections.
Sarah Lebu and Sabita Adhikari