For one of my supplemental essays, the prompt is “Tell us about a person who has influenced you in a significant way.” I’m wondering if I should refer to the person by name in the essay. It’s one of my teachers, who also wrote one of my letters of recommendation, so I’m not sure if they would make the connection anyways. Thoughts?
Sure, this can work. The focus of the essay needs to be you and not the teacher. How have you been inspired by the teacher? I don’t see a problem with your teacher having written your rec and you also writing an essay featuring the teacher. In fact, I suspect the teacher might have given you a good rec and your essay can probably shed some interesting light on your connection.