How should you discuss the impact of a mentor or role model?

• A. Explain influence on goals and skills gained.
• B. Explain influence on goals, skills gained, and how you aspire to pass on that influence.
• C. Only mention the mentor's name.
• D. Describe how the mentor's ideas changed the institution.

Answer: (B)

When you talk about a mentor, you want to show a full arc: how their guidance redirected your goals, what concrete skills you gained, and how you plan to pass that influence on to others. This combination demonstrates growth, responsibility, and leadership.

Explain how their advice shaped your direction—what goals you pursued or refined because of their input. Then name specific skills you developed through the relationship and give a real example of applying them. Finally, articulate how you intend to pay it forward—mentoring peers, sharing what you learned, or helping others access similar guidance. This signals you’re committed to continuing the cycle of growth.

If you only mention the mentor’s name, you miss showing impact and action. If you focus on institutional changes, you shift away from your personal development and future as a mentor. If you discuss goals alone, you don’t demonstrate the practical skills or your plan to mentor others.