Growing up, were there people in your life who encouraged you, showed you the ropes, and helped you become the person you are today? Think about family members, a teacher or coach, a neighbor, a boss, or family friend; those people were mentors to you.

Most successful people say they had mentors along the way who guided and encouraged them. The Harvard Mentoring Project has been conducting videotaped interviews and collecting written essays in which prominent people from various fields talk about their mentors. General Colin Powell points to the influence of his father; Senator John McCain credits a high school teacher and coach whose example strengthened his resolve during years of imprisonment in North Vietnam; and Oprah Winfrey cites a fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Duncan, who taught her to believe in herself. Other participants include Tom Brokaw, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Cal Ripken, Jr., and Antwone Fisher.

Watch or read the stories about mentors in their lives, or read a list of famous mentor-mentee pairs.

So, who mentored you? Think about individuals in your own life who offered you encouragement, shared their experiences and knowledge, and sometimes just listened when you needed to talk. Do they know what a lasting difference they made? Find out how you can thank them.

Who Mentored You? Thank Them, and Pass it On...Mentor a Child!