Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways we grow — both through the guidance we receive and the support we give. Throughout life, we learn from those who are willing to invest in us, and in doing so, we begin to recognize the influence we can have on others. Mentorship is not limited to one role or one stage; it is a shared experience that shapes who we become and how we lead.

Mentors come into our lives in many ways, but the way they serve us typically falls into two categories: personal and professional. Both play an important role in how we grow. 

To me, a mentor is a resource, someone we can turn to for guidance and perspective. Professional mentors are individuals whose careers we could see ourselves pursuing, who attends or attended a college we are interested in, or who have achieved an award or accomplishment we hope to reach. 

These mentors may be found through structured programs or sought out independently. Personal mentors are individuals we look up to for how they live their everyday lives: their values, faith and character. Both types of mentors must be people you admire, but more importantly, respect. 

A mentor is someone who shares similar goals and values but has more experience. Through both their successes and mistakes, mentors provide insight that helps us move forward with greater intention. As our goals and values change throughout life, our mentors will naturally change. Through middle school, my mentors were actively involved in the Wisconsin Junior Angus Association; individuals who were older than me who played my sport; and family members who had experience with show cattle. 

At this time, I was also introduced to mentors through the Angus Mentoring Program (AMP) at the National Junior Angus Show. In high school, I sought mentorship through people who were at Iowa State University and my FFA teacher. I am currently a junior at Iowa State, and I have had the privilege in connecting with mentors through structured programs in the Agricultural Business Club and Sigma Alpha, with industry professionals through my internships, and past Junior Board members. While each mentor is unique, one truth remains consistent — I want to model parts of my life after theirs. 

As we move into the second month of 2026, I encourage you to reflect on the goals and values where guidance could be valuable. Seek out and connect with those you believe can help you get there.

The impact mentors have had on my life has shown me that mentorship is not one-sided. At some point, we all shift from being the one seeking guidance to being the one others look to. For you, as a junior, mentorship often shows up in everyday moments. It might be encouraging a younger student at school who shares your passions, helping a fellow Angus junior prepare for a contest you have competed in, or answering a family’s questions about a show you have attended. These moments may seem small, but they matter. Anytime you provide guidance and confidence, you are a mentor.

While we all need people beside us to support and challenge us, we also have a responsibility to be that person for others, especially for those who aspire to follow in our footsteps. To me, being a mentor means being a resource: someone willing to listen, share experiences, and help others navigate unfamiliar situations. We all learn from our own mistakes, but we grow even more when we lean on the wisdom of those who have walked the path before us — and when we turn around to help someone else do the same.