January Spotlight 2026

This month’s student-mentor spotlight is mentor Chason Forehand and his mentee, Juan Mendez Matias, at Fernandina Beach High School. The two have been matched since April 2022.

CHASON FOREHAND, Mentor

What do you consider to be your hometown?
I am originally from a small town in South Georgia called Moultrie, located about three hours northwest of here. It is a close-knit community known for agriculture, high school football, and strong local pride. It also sits less than an hour from Valdosta State University, which makes it a familiar place for many of our students who tour Valdosta State University annually. I have lived on Amelia Island since 2020, and over time it has truly started to feel like home as well.

What made you decide to mentor with Take Stock?
I was first introduced to Take Stock through professional connections and had the opportunity to get to know both the former Treasurer and former Executive Director. Once I learned how much impact I could make by committing just 45 minutes a week on my own schedule, getting involved felt like an easy decision. I was briefly an educator earlier in my career, and the chance to help support and build up the next generation again was something I was genuinely excited about.

How many students have you mentored?
I usually say one and a half. Juan is the first student I have mentored through the entire program. I also briefly stepped in to mentor another student, Raul, who needed temporary support until he could be matched with a long-term mentor. Raul successfully graduated as well, which made the experience even more meaningful.

What have you gained from mentoring Juan?
I often joke that I find myself wondering who is really mentoring who. Juan has an incredible level of emotional intelligence and inner wisdom for someone his age and seeing that has pushed me to reflect and grow personally. I truly believe there is a lot of truth in the idea that teaching is one of the best ways to learn. Beyond my one-on-one time with Juan, being part of Take Stock has allowed me to connect with so many other mentors who care deeply about students and our community, and I have learned a great deal from them as well.

JUAN MENDEZ MATIAS, FERNANDINA BEACH High School

Why did you want to apply for Take Stock?
A math teacher I had in seventh grade recommended that I apply and introduced me to the program. Once I looked into the opportunity, the combination of financial support and mentorship really stood out to me. At that point in my life, it felt like an opportunity that could make a real difference for my future.

What have you learned from your relationship with your mentor, Chason?
I have learned a lot of life skills. 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. Having a dedicated time each week to reflect on the past week or even the past month has been incredibly helpful, whether I am talking through highlights or challenges.

What is your favorite memory from TSIC?
One of my favorite memories was an event held at the Omni where we participated in a life simulation exercise. We were given a career, a salary, and other details and had to make decisions about how to live within that income. It really opened my eyes to how expensive everyday life can be and how important financial planning is.

What are your plans after you graduate high school and TSIC?
I definitely plan to attend college and earn a degree. Right now, I am leaning toward pursuing a business degree at the University of Central Florida, but I am also considering Florida Atlantic University. Beyond college, my main goal is to build a stable life, earn enough to own my own home, and have a steady income. That sense of stability is really important to me.

What would you tell someone who is considering applying to Take Stock Nassau?
I would tell them to absolutely do it. I have experienced nothing but positives during my time in the program. The mentorship has been extremely helpful, and the time commitment is small compared to the value and support you receive.