Prashiddhi Pokhrel is about to graduate from the University of Southern Maine with her Master of Science in Statistics. Depending on the day, she’s also an embroiderer, an animator, a 3D printing pro, and the person who makes USM’s Maker Innovation Studio — better known as the MIST Lab — feel a little less intimidating to newcomers.
Prashiddhi is one of about 900 students who work on campus each semester. Together, they fill more than 1,200 jobs across nearly 70 departments on all three campuses. But USM isn’t the only one benefitting — the relationship goes both ways.
Research from the National Center for Education Statistics found that students working between one and 15 hours per week have significantly higher GPAs than both their non-working peers and those working more than 16 hours.
In other words, the right campus job isn’t just a resume builder — turns out, it might be an academic one too.
“Working on campus introduces students to people and perspectives they might not otherwise encounter — and the relationships they build benefit them personally and professionally.”
Chris Williams
USM Senior Human Resources Partner
At the MIST Lab, Maya Twombly has watched student employees like Prashiddhi transform the space.
“Students here learn by doing, failing, and trying again — and that cycle is how real skill development happens,” said Twombly. “They also strengthen the culture of the lab. Their presence helps de-MISTify the space for newcomers! It shows them that the tools are accessible, the environment is supportive, and innovation isn’t as intimidating as it looks.”
As a MIST Lab technician, Prashiddhi takes on projects for campus departments and outside organizations — creating everything from embroidery patches to 3D printed models — while also helping fellow students learn how to use the equipment. We sat down with her to hear what being a student employee at USM really looks like, in her own words.
Q:
Can you tell us a little about your role at the MIST Lab? What does a typical day or week look like for you?
A:
My role at the MIST Lab really depends on the projects I’m working on at the time. I usually pick projects based on what I’m interested in learning and what’s possible with the resources in the lab. A typical day is pretty hands-on. I come in and work on whatever project I’m doing, for example, when I was learning the embroidery machine, I had to figure out everything from designing to actually making the final product. If I get stuck, my supervisor Maya is there to help and guide me through the machines and software.
Q:
What drew you to this position, and what has surprised you most about the work?
A:
The creativity and flexibility drew me in. As a stats student, everything is very logical and structured — which I do like, but it can get to be a lot. MIST gave me a space to just be creative again. What surprised me most is how much time goes into learning. You can spend hours on something and still not make anything that great, and that’s okay! I’ve realized that process matters, especially in the beginning. I also didn’t expect to learn so many hands-on skills — embroidery, digital design, cutting machines — things that are completely new to me and very different from my coursework.
Q:
How has working at the MIST Lab shaped your experience at USM — inside or outside the classroom?
A:
It honestly made my experience at USM feel more complete. My major is very logic-based, and I enjoy it, but I spend so much time on that kind of work that I don’t really get to focus on creativity. MIST gave me that space. I’ve also met really cool people and learned a lot of unexpected but useful things that I’ll probably carry with me after I leave.
Q:
What would you want other students to know about working on campus?
A:
I’d say don’t just look for something to put on your resume, try to find something you actually enjoy or are curious about. You might end up learning things you didn’t expect and meeting people who really inspire you.
Q:
As you get ready to graduate, what do you think you’ll carry with you from your time here?
A:
I’m excited to graduate, but I’ll take a lot from my time at the MIST Lab — new skills, yes, but more than that, the experience of trying new things and working with really creative, supportive people.
Bonus: What song have you had on repeat lately?
Stateside
PinkPantheress
Of course, none of this happens in a vacuum. Behind each student employee is someone investing in their growth. According to a 2019 report by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the quality of a student employee’s experience often comes down to one thing: their supervisor. This April, that dedication is getting its moment. During National Student Employee Appreciation Week (April 12–18), USM is celebrating both student employees and the staff and faculty who support them. The 5th annual Student Supervisor of the Year Award nominations open April 13th — know someone who deserves recognition? Now’s your chance to say so.
