Matt’s Story

When Matt Croke first started learning math as a young student, he said he initially believed it wasn’t for him. 

“I thought math was really, really hard,” he said. “I always thought I wasn’t smart enough for it.”

Being a woodworker, Matt said it was learning geometry when things began to shift for him. 

“I like woodworking and I like building stuff with my hands,” he said. “And geometry is really important with measurements, angles, all that stuff. So once I was able to apply something from my math class to something I was doing outside of the classroom, I found it really interesting.”

When he decided to volunteer as a Mentor with the Infinity Squad his Junior year, he found a whole new way that math applies to the real world: through mentoring. But stepping into his role as one of the program’s first Mentors came with its own learning curve. 

“At the beginning, I wasn't really used to interacting with younger students,” he said. “As time went on, I got better at it. I found different ways to get over challenges and help these kids out. People from the RSM Foundation really helped a lot with different trainings and resources.”  

Because struggles with school were still fresh in his mind from his own grade school years, it was important to Matt that he showed up for the younger Mentees in a supportive way. He said the Infinity Squad program is unique because the Mentors aren’t that far away from elementary school themselves, so they can empathize with the students and know how to make learning fun. 

“When I was younger, I struggled with school,” he said. “I wanted these kids to know that they're not alone and there are a lot of other people who are experiencing the same exact problems they are. And just being there for someone like that, that helps them out.” 

Seeing the kids progress over the course of his time in the program was a rewarding experience for Matt. 

“Being a Mentor definitely helped me see the world a little differently,” he said. “I want to hope I can continue to do things like the RSM Foundation to help kids.”

Matt was able to make the honor roll all four years of high school and was in the National Honors Society. Now on the Dean’s List at Wake Forest University, he is majoring in Accounting with a minor in Computer Science, and has his sights set on a potential career in business. He says he hopes the stigma around math gets broken down more and more with programs like Infinity Squad leading the way.

“There's always things you can learn, no matter how quote-unquote smart you are in math, because everyone struggles with it. It's a tough subject. And there are ways to get around that. It’s just a mindset you have to push through,” he said. “And with the Infinity Squad program, these kids are able to do that.”