Scholars
In Their Own Words: Four Scholars Reflect On Their Mentors For National Mentors Day
Every transformation begins with someone who believes before you do. On National Mentors Day, we asked our NobleReach Scholars to trace their public service journey back to its source—the teacher who saw potential, the manager who modeled excellence, the professor who challenged assumptions. These mentors didn’t just inspire careers—they fundamentally reshaped how the next generation sees public service. Their lessons are still shaping how our Scholars approach the nation’s biggest challenges today.
Melissa Lopez-Barbosa, NobleReach Scholar ’25
My high school computer science teacher inspired me to consider public service due to the lasting, positive impact it can have on our communities. She taught me that I had the ability to learn technical skills and blend them with the soft skills I have continued to develop. Moreover, she taught me that it is vital to strive for one’s goals, even if it’s incredibly challenging, because they are possible if you believe.
Keerthy Reddy, NobleReach Scholar ’25
My manager at my most recent internship has been one of the most influential mentors in my life. She encouraged me to take on challenges even when I doubted myself and fostered a collaborative, transparent, and supportive team culture where I felt comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and learning from the outcomes. Hearing about her own fellowship experience after graduation inspired me to pursue a similar path and showed me that public service can be a space for personal growth and a way to contribute meaningfully to my community.
Ben Claflin, NobleReach Scholar ’25
One of the most influential mentors I’ve had throughout my undergraduate studies is Paul Edgar, the Deputy Executive Director of the Clements Center for National Security. Paul’s ability to dissect a complex problem, combined with his willingness to help, made a massive difference in my career path. My time with the Clements Center and Paul allowed me to see the world and learn from former Chiefs of MI6 and Secretaries of State, while reminding me that success starts with how you treat others.
Gregory Mitchell, NobleReach Scholar ’25
I’ve been fortunate to have had a lot of fantastic people in my life who’ve taught me so much, but one clear standout is my former professor from Penn State, Dr. Ted Alter. Professor Alter challenged me to think critically about power and its role in social systems. This wasn’t esoteric; it fundamentally required me to think about how to navigate hierarchical structures, think about policy design, and consider how I should carry myself as an expert in communities and organizations. His courses also made me a much more effective communicator, both verbally and in writing.
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