Instead of seeing myself as a “mentor,” I saw myself as an older sister, someone sharing experiences to help my mentee make her own choices. What surprised me was how much I learned in return. I gained insights into Gen Z, their thinking, their trends, and even learned fun facts about Chinese culture, since she’s studying the language. Of course, we didn’t always agree or have all the answers, but that’s part of the journey. We talked, shared perspectives, and learned from each other. I believe listening and respect matter more than being right.