Mary Scott Skinker (1891 – 1948) was Carson’s high school biology teacher and later became Carson’s mentor when she switched her college major from English to Biology, thus setting the foundation for her future career. She was a clear influence in Carson’s life. She contributed to Carson’s motivations and aspirations to study nature which she loves rather than set her sights on being an English teacher in order to make a living with language. Later in life as Carson was facing financial challenges and general difficulties in life, she gave her useful advice. One instance was when she urged Carson to join the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries rather than becoming an English teacher. She contributed to Carson not abandoning her passion for nature to secure a steady income instead. Without Skinker’s guidance in her early years, Carson could have been a very different person from the person whom we know today as someone who changed the world.

Skinker had significant impact on Carson’s life. The first sign of her influence was when Carson bravely made the switch from English to Biology major. Without Skinker’s influence, Carson may have become an English teacher and her life and legacy could have been very different. She was probably a form of companionship and validation for Carson due to their common interest in nature. She was also provided informational support as her mentor in university and giving her career advice that helped Carson solidify her career, setting a foundation stone for her years in the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries. She was probably close to Carson, who has a tendency to be fond of others and the fact that Carson took her advice signals that she views Skinker as a reliable source of information and advice that she can consider and take even for the big decisions in life.