The story
In the Kishkindha Kanda of the Ramayana, as the search party stands at the shore wondering who can cross the ocean, the elder Jambavan reminds Hanuman of powers he had forgotten. Hanuman then makes the leap.
The mentor's role
A mentor does not give the student strength. They:
- help the student see abilities already present,
- ask questions that build self-understanding,
- encourage action at the right moment.
For students
Look for people who see your potential honestly — teachers, relatives, mentors — and listen when they point out strengths you dismiss.
Deciding whether it fits you
A field can look exciting from the outside and still be a poor fit. Before committing, talk to two or three people already doing the work, try a short course or project, and notice whether the day-to-day tasks energise or drain you. A structured conversation with a mentor can help you compare options against your interests, abilities and values rather than trends alone.