Jackie’s Story

When Jackie, a mother and teacher, first learned about the Infinity Squad program by the RSM Foundation, her first thought was, “why not?” 

“I loved the idea of having high school mentors help the younger students,” she said. “Plus, it didn’t cost anything. And it wasn’t a big time commitment. For me it was like, why not give it a try?”

At first, Jackie said her second grader would often complain before a session with her Infinity Squad mentor. “Do I have to do math?” she would hear. It didn’t take long after logging into the session, however, that the feeling of dread would transform into excitement.

“Honestly, once we logged in her whole demeanor shifted and she was happy,” she said. “The time went quickly because time flies when you're having fun, and she was fully engaged.”

Being a teacher herself, Jackie said she believes math is a subject that everyone needs a grasp on in order to navigate the world as an adult. She used the example of cooking with her daughter earlier that week, and how math came into play as they measured ingredients. 

“I think math is definitely a skill that comes back around in your daily life,” she said. “And so enjoying it and wanting to learn math is important. You don't have to be the best at it, and it doesn't have to be your favorite subject, but you can't really get away without it.”

While it could be intimidating for second graders to pair up with older high school students, Jackie said that once her daughter built a rapport with her Infinity Squad mentor, a unique connection was formed. 

“I would find them just chit-chatting about stuff like skiing,” she said. “I do think it's a special kind of math program. She looked up to her mentor, it was such a nice connection.”

One way the mentor engaged her second grader was by using game-based techniques to teach math, along with the more individualized, one-on-one attention she received. The program made learning math fun, while tying in a unique social component. 

“This program from the RSM Foundation showed my daughter that math can be fun and she can succeed at it,” she said. “She gained confidence and felt more willing to take a risk or a challenge.”

“And I think it was good for the high schooler too!” she added.

As a parent, she said it was important for her to see her child happy and not feeling discouraged. The shift that happened as a result of the Infinity Squad made Jackie realize this is more than a math program. It’s a way to encourage potential in all children, through the presence of a positive role model. 

“It’s really about more than math,” she said. “It showed my child something that she might want to do when she's older to make a difference in another child's life.”