A mentor is excellent advice. One of my DC's teachers was hugely instrumental in obtaining access to college coursework (beyond the "101" level) as a DE student.

And, of course, a mentor who is a working professional in the field of interest adds so much. We've tried to connect our DCs to adults in their areas of interest, (not only academically,) and been graced with a number of highly-skilled resources in our social circle.

...pronounced like the long vowel and first letter of the alphabet...