Reverse relation of role model

If A is a role model to B.

B is what to A?

I assume there is something more focused than fan or follower.

Acolyte noun

follower, fan, supporter, pupil, convert, believer, admirer, backer, partisan, disciple, devotee, worshipper, apostle, cohort (chiefly U.S.), fan club (informal), adherent, henchman, habitué, votary To his acolytes, he is known simply as 'The Boss'.

The Free Dictionary

Disciple

Etymology

From Old English discipul, from Latin discipulus (“a pupil, learner”), from discere (“to learn”); akin to docere (“to teach”). Later influenced or superceded in Middle English by Old French deciple.

disciple noun (plural disciples):

1.A person who learns from another, especially one who then teaches others.

2.An active follower or adherent of someone, or some philosophy etc

from the Wikitionary link

Student noun (figuratively)

2: A person seriously devoted to some subject, whether academic or not. He is a student of life.

The Wiktionary link

Protégé noun (plural proteges)

1. A person guided and protected by a more prominent person. His status as a protege of the great artist had many benefits, but was ultimately a burden.

The Wiktionary link

Shout-out! to JR

You could call them an aspirant

a person who tries to become something : a person who aspires to do or to be something

Merriam-Webster

B is the protégé of A.

protégé

One who is protected or trained or whose career is furthered by a person of experience, prominence, or influence