The OG Little Big Thing Legend

If there is a person who embodies the Little Big Things it is Dr. Derrick Perkins. Heading up the Center for Male Engagement (CME) and the I Am More programs at the Community College of Philadelphia, Derrick oversees hundreds of students and has time for Every. Single. One. One student told me that no matter what time of day, no matter how busy he is, Derrick is always ready with a hug and some encouraging words. His students who quite often are from underrepresented and socially underestimated groups feel seen and heard. Derrick meets people where they are at with kindness and compassion. Speaking of which, I personally have seen him give his coat off his back to a student who mid-winter didn’t have one. Now if that isn’t a Little Big Things legend, I don’t know what is?!

Instant Mood Improver

Regina is on the Community College of Philadelphia’s housekeeping staff and maybe one of the friendliest and most welcoming people at the College. She always takes the time to say hi and ask how you are doing, with a positivity that is infectious. But her relationships aren’t limited to faculty - Regina takes the time to say to students too, and in a world where it is easy to be unseen, unheard and feel lost and lonely, Regina goes a long way to addressing that, one smile at a time.

Teachers who made a lifelong difference

Teachers can make or break you. In this case, you literally wouldn’t be reading this without them. These three teachers in very different ways impacted my life: Ms. Loveluck, the music teacher, created a welcoming space and opportunities for girls, many of whom were from historically underrepresented groups, to participate in music. No matter how untalented you were there was a place for you - case in point I was in the choir. Ms. Loveluck never once said no. Mrs. Milligan was that teacher who cared. Cared that we were happy and healthy outside of our academics and showed kindness when you needed it the most. Mr. Mackenzie is nothing short of a true Little Big Things legend, He believed in me and helped me believe in me, convincing me I was good enough to pursue my academic pursuits past high school. He never stopped believing in me and that got me through many wobbly moments where I might have given up. Thirty years later Mr. Mackenzie is still my champion and still encouraging me. Now that’s dedication! These three people shaped me into the teacher I am today and set the bar high for how I want to treat each my students.