What or who has been one of your biggest inspirations in life?
Part of the purpose of the interview is to get to know who you are as a person. The interview panel asks this question so they can learn more about you in this regard.
Spend time preparing an answer to this question before the interview. You wouldn't want to be put on the spot and fumble your words or give an answer that doesn't seem convincing. Whether your biggest inspiration in life is a movie, a line from a book, a family member, or an experience you had as a child, be prepared to discuss it in a meaningful, yet concise way.
"My biggest inspiration in life is my friend Ron. He was involved in an accident when we were juniors in high school, and he became paralyzed from the waist down. Everyone I knew was devastated. But Ron kept his head high, worked really hard to adapt to a new lifestyle, and smiled more than anyone else I knew. Today, he's in law school. I'm not only proud of him, but he's inspired me to push through the obstacles I've encountered, realizing that having a positive attitude is my decision and that it's always possible to adapt to the unexpected."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
This may sound cliche but my biggest inspiration has been my mother. I am who I am today because of her. My mother had a lot of difficulties in life but through her work ethic, was able to get to where she was. She taught me that hard work pays, and to be kind to others. Other things she taught me were discipline, confidence, leadership, and empathy. People say I am like my mother in a lot of ways. Growing up, I emulated a lot of the quality traits I saw in her, but I also took my path to be my person influenced by my personal experiences.
Marcie's Feedback
Your mother sounds amazing, and it's wonderful that you're so inspired by her. Can you talk more about what difficulties she has overcome or cite a specific example of a time when you witnessed her hard work and kindness result in a positive outcome? The more details, the better! Great job!
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