12 Apr March Spotlight 2024
This month’s student-mentor spotlight is on mentor Lynda Smith and her mentee, Carrington Smith. The two have been matched since May 2020.
Lynda Smith, Mentor
What do you consider to be your hometown? How long have you lived in Fernandina Beach?
I consider Callahan my hometown. I was born and raised there, married a hometown boy and raised our 4 children there. Eight years ago, after the passing of my husband, I moved to Yulee. I have fully enjoyed my time here, the new friends I’ve made and the local church I serve in. I am truly blessed.
What made you decide to mentor with Take Stock?
After retiring from teaching, I still felt the need to be involved with students. Take Stock filled that need. It has been a blessing to speak into students’ lives, helping to guide them into their future endeavors.
How many students have you mentored?
I have mentored at least 6 students, including my senior and sophomore who I’m currently mentoring.
What have you gained from mentoring Carrington?
Carrington is a source of information when it comes to animals. During our first year together I learned all about chickens. The next year we moved onto spiders. (Not my thing, but she loved it). Now she’s moved on to horses. She enjoyed working at a horse farm so much that she purchased her own. This “pet” is dictating her college choice. She plans to stay home to take care of this animal and take her courses online. Oh, and she has taught me a great deal about Prince. We laugh at how different we are and yet how well we mesh. It has been a real pleasure mentoring Carrington. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.
Carrington Smith, HMSHS Senior
Why did you want to apply for Take Stock?
I wanted to be able to go to college without my parents having to worry as much about the cost. Take Stock provided that opportunity.
What have you learned from your relationship with your mentor, Lynda?
She has taught me a lot of things, but how to improve my time management skills is probably one of the most important.
What is your favorite memory from TSIC?
My favorite memory from Take Stock is the mentor breakfast. I enjoyed talking to Lynda over breakfast.
What are your plans after you graduate high school and TSIC?
I plan to go to Santa Fe and obtain my associates in arts degree. Then, I would like to transfer to UF and go to school to be a large animal vet.