Compassion through the eyes of teens and their mentors

If you've lived in Fernandina for a while, you probably have heard of Take Stock in Children (TSIC). This celebrated organization is celebrating its 30th year as part of our community.

The mission of TSIC is, according to their website, "to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for postsecondary education."

The students who participate in TSIC are guided by mentors — and that relationship often continues long after the formal mentoring ends. The mentors' guidance is invaluable and listening and talking is the tie that binds. “A [mentor is a] trusted adult that is there throughout the student's life, someone that a young adult can always turn to for advice," says Jacque Banks, the devoted Program Manager of the organization.

Securing a student’s future through scholarships and all the additional costs that come with college life is the true demonstration of kindness. Compassion toward a family helps with the ancillary costs of education. This allows a student to focus on studies while mentors and board members research and help secure donations. Kindness and compassion comprise a 3-way street with students, families, and mentors.

Four mentors, each representing one of the county’s high schools, were recognized this year for their distinctive service to their graduating senior and the overall Take Stock program: Chason Forehand, Vicki Arpin, Lynda Smith, and Jeff Hirshberg. This year, the Nassau County chapter boasts 140 active mentors, 30 of whom are guiding seniors who will soon be graduating.

Chason Forehand became a mentor in 2022. He has completed 78 mentoring sessions and consistently supports his mentee by attending performances. His mentee, Juan Mendez Matias, shares, “I have learned a lot of life skills from Chason. Sometimes it can be hard to put emotions into words, but the advice, conversations, and metaphors we talk through have helped me develop that ability. Thinking more deeply about real-life situations and the meaning behind them has made it easier for me to process things." 

Since becoming a mentor in 2021, Vicki Arpin has completed an incredible 136 mentoring sessions — all with the same student — demonstrating her unwavering commitment to building a lasting, meaningful relationship. Her mentee, Emma Jones, shares, “Mrs. Vicki has been supportive and kind since the very beginning, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of this year will take us.”

A mentor since 2016, Lynda Smith has made an extraordinary impact by mentoring, co-mentoring, or serving as a substitute mentor for seven students. Her mentee, Danyelle Bell, shares, “Mrs. Lynda has been an incredible mentor who consistently supports and encourages me to be my best. Through her mentorship, I have gained confidence, motivation, and a stronger sense of direction. I am truly grateful for her constant support and belief in my potential.”

Since becoming a mentor in 2023, Jeff Hirshberg has met with his student 63 times. He is a passionate champion for the organization throughout the community. His mentee, Cloud Byrd, shares, “Throughout our discussions about life and literature, I have broadened my perspectives and built my dreams. Mr. Jeff has served as an inspiration for me. He has been such a great supporter in my life, and above all else has taught me, in the simplest terms, to always think.”

 Visit Take Stock in Children Nassau to learn more. You'll especially want to check out the video below. I promise it will leave you with a joyful feeling — and perhaps a desire to be a mentor yourself!

Barb Gingher is a 25-year resident of Fernandina Beach. Dr. Gingher retired in 2017 from Baptist Medical Center Nassau, where she served as Nurse Executive.

If you have a story you'd like to share here in the Fernandina Observer about a neighbor or friend or stranger or business that showed you kindness, or about kindness and compassion in general — please contact Peggie Weeks at pegweeks@gmail.com