Saisha Pal joins me to discuss her journey through the Emerging Researchers Incubator and how she transformed an interest in mental health and criminal justice into meaningful, real-world action.

Saisha shares how she moved learned that progress doesn’t come from waiting for the “perfect” plan, but from taking small, strategic steps forward. From reaching out to organizations and professors to refining her research focus, she reflects on the mindset shifts that helped her gain momentum.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why waiting for confidence can delay meaningful action
• How to approach outreach when organizations don’t respond
• The importance of mentorship and academic alignment
• Turning broad interests (mental health + criminal justice) into focused research questions
• Why small steps create the clarity ambitious students are waiting for
• What the Emerging Researchers Incubator actually teaches students about ownership and initiative

Saisha also talks candidly about the emotional side of the process, like dealing with silence after outreach, refining ideas publicly, and learning to pivot without losing motivation.

This conversation is especially valuable for students who:

• Feel unsure how to begin a research or impact project
• Want to combine multiple academic interests into one cohesive direction
• Are navigating competitive college admissions and wondering how to stand out authentically

Check out her website to learn more: https://www.globalimpactcouncil.org/emerging-researchers-incubator-private

and check out the Ivy League Challenge website to learn more about the course that set her up for success: www.theivyleaguechallenge.com