Describe a colleague or classmate who taught you something important — what were they like?

A natural way to answer

One classmate of mine was incredibly organised and generous with her time. She had a real knack for explaining things simply, and she never made you feel silly for asking. She taught me that being patient with people goes a long way.

Key phrases to use

• fazed him — made him feel worried or unable to cope“Even the toughest deadlines never fazed him.”
• sweat the small stuff — to worry too much about minor, unimportant things“Try not to sweat the small stuff at work.”
• goes a long way — has a big positive effect, more than you'd expect“A little kindness goes a long way.”
• speak her mind — to say honestly what you think, even if it's uncomfortable“She always speaks her mind in meetings.”
• rubbed off on me — (of a quality or habit) gradually influenced me through contact“Her positivity really rubbed off on me.”