When I lived in North Carolina during the pandemic years, I went fishing with my friend’s kid while everyone else went for a motorcycle ride. At just 7 years old, they were incredibly knowledgeable about the river flowing by our feet. They caught their own bait, taught me about recycling fishing line and where to do it, and confidently recited the scientific names of at least five different fish species we caught and released. That morning, I not only learned how to fish in the river but was also inspired by everything they taught me in just a few hours.
Photo: Learning to fish from a 7 year old in a river in the North Carolina mountains.
Kids and youth mentor adults just as adults mentor them. We learn from them every day because it requires adults to listen and pay attention. This is known as reverse mentorship. Unlike traditional mentorship, where knowledge flows from an experienced mentor to the mentee, reverse mentorship highlights emerging skills or insights that the younger or junior individual brings to the table. That day, I asked myself: How could I use this concept in conservation outreach?
In 2022, we moved to Florida. We didn’t know a soul and stayed at a short-term rental, with Warren Wnek. It was then that he introduced me to his best friend, Rodney Smith and Karen Persing Smith. These two families welcomed us to Brevard County like we were their own and mentored us from day one. They inspired me to volunteer across different organizations in the Indian River Lagoon, and this completely changed the course of my life.
Photo: Helping and learning about mangrove gardening at UCF.
I never knew Rodney before he had a stroke, but when we first met, it felt as though we had known each other a while. We shared endless conversations about life, plants, fishing and climate change in his garden. I told him about reverse mentorship and providing a space for younger volunteers to teach their peers, develop public speaking skills, take on small responsibilities that make meaningful impacts in their communities, and advocate for conservation. Rodney inspired me to lead Anglers for Conservation, and continue his legacy of building the next generation of marine stewards.
Photo: Volunteers from the Hook Kids on Fishing program teach young kids how to tie knots.
Rodney had an influence unlike anyone I had ever met, and he achieved it not through words, but through actions. In the short time I knew him, my life has been forever changed by his countless acts of encouragement and perseverance, which spoke far louder than words ever could. It is those very actions that will inspire all who were touched by him to carry the light he ignited within us.
Photo: At the Hobe Sound Nature Center with Rodney and Warren (March 2024).
Our deepest condolences go out to the Smith family.
Until we meet again, Rodney
Carla Perscky
Executive Director
Anglers for Conservation
December 2024