I've gotta admit I've been very lucky to have had the opportunity to meet some smart people. There's value in being prepared for when the right opportunity or person comes. You want to be eager on your own, learn and grow independently before a mentor comes in. Then you'll have knowledge you can attach their insights to.
But, even when I have great mentors around me I make sure to find a mentor in most people I work with. Everyone has different skills they excel at. I make sure to pick as much of their skill as I can. I'll often directly ask them how I can improve in their special trait.
Another thing I found useful was finding virtual mentors. These are people I read from, I admire, I observe. I try to pick up as much as I can from what they have to offer. In other words, I create my own mentors.
Hope this helps!
Glad to see you talking about mentoring, Jurica! :P
Keep it up!
Also interesting hyper short-form post format. Gotta try that.