MEET YOUR MENTORS
We have a diverse network of mentors themselves enrolled at places like Harvard, Middlebury, Standord, Claremont McKenna. These are people who have walked in your shoes, understand the pressure and uncertainty of this transitional phase, and are always available to give honest feedback on essays, guide you through building a cohesive application, and discuss what course of action is best for your individual needs and aspirations. Ask them anything, they’d love to help.
Fayez Naveed
Stanford '26
Fayez is a mentor at Spindle and a senior at Stanford majoring in Computer Science. He brings experience in theater, debate, and writing to help students craft impactful essays, structure their activities, and navigate academic questions with clarity and creativity.
Bahawar Sharif Dhillon
Harvard '28
Bahawar Sharif Dhillon is a PhD student in Immunology at Harvard Medical School. With experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering and a background in molecular genetics and computational biology, he helps students turn complex research ideas into standout college and grad school essays.
Mahnoor Mushtaq
Middlebury College '25
Mahnoor is a mentor at Spindle and a recent Neuroscience graduate from Middlebury College. She currently works as a research assistant at Harvard Medical School and is passionate about helping students navigate liberal arts education, Middlebury, and research opportunities in the U.S.
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Sanaiya Aftab
Bryn Mawr '27
Sanaiya is a mentor at Spindle and a rising junior at Bryn Mawr College, majoring in Psychology and Literature in English. She is currently interning at Yale Law School and conducts research on structural inequalities through both neuroscience and literature. At Spindle, she helps students approach the college application process as a journey of self-discovery, guiding them to find clarity, confidence, and power in their own voice and story.
Nicholas Zarrillo
Claremont McKenna ’28
Nicholas Zarrillo is a mentor at Spindle and a rising sophomore at Claremont McKenna College, majoring in Economics and Data Science. He works as a research assistant for a consulting agency in the Bay Area, where he focuses on business strategy and market research. Nicholas supports students with test prep, resume building, and finding the right college fit through a practical and goal-oriented approach.
Awais Rashid
Sabanci '27
Awais is a mentor at Spindle and a Psychology student at Sabancı University. Having experienced the uncertainty of changing academic paths himself, he helps students move beyond external expectations to uncover what they truly want from their education. With a thoughtful and often humorous approach, he encourages deep self-reflection and clarity throughout the college application process.
Ismail Iftikhar
Claremont McKenna '28
Ismail Iftikhar is a mentor at Spindle and a rising sophomore at Claremont McKenna College, studying Philosophy and Economics. After taking a gap year and working with his college’s admissions office, he now helps students build strong applications and understand what colleges are really looking for.
Rehman Tariq
Ohio Wesleyan '22
Rehman is a mentor at Spindle and a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University with a double major in Business and Film. With experience in the United States and Pakistan, he has led teams on major campaigns for brands like Pepsi, Coke, and Xiaomi. At Spindle, he helps students craft compelling personal narratives and stand out through a mix of creativity and strategic thinking.
