Reading after reading, I see poets, young and old, wrestling for the sign-up sheet for open readings so that they may share their poems. I'm a writer. No other kind of artist works this way. Musicians can easily rattle off composers or performers who have influence them or what other musicians are doing exciting work. Painters and sculptors frequent art shows.
Actors take classes.
Everyone is always trying to hone in on their craft, pushing themselves to a new level. The wonderful thing about writing is that there is no ceiling. WE can always strive for a new vision. I wish that professor had done more than chuckled at my response to his question. I wish he'd inspired me to want to read.