This was just one of many such occasions during my teen years where I benefitted from the guidance of this man I now consider a mentor—although I was unfamiliar with the term at the time. I had the wonderful opportunity to spend many hours with this man cross-country skiing, hiking and talking during this key time in my life, and now look back to realize how important his influence was on me. I ended up going to the same college he did, and his help in preparing me before attending proved to be invaluable.
However, I respected more than his knowledge. His responsible, mature example, along with his kind, giving spirit, showed me what I wanted to emulate in my life. He mentored how to live, and this is perhaps the greatest gift a mentor can give.