If there is such a thing as an ideal route to public service, Derrick Pittman did not take it. Already an experienced loss prevention specialist, Pittman became interested in making a difference in the community while taking college courses at the age of 28.
“[What] inspired me to pursue this field was the sight of college students struggling in certain classes. Somewhere on their journey, [students] missed some important points that would have made their travel a lot easier. Children are our future and it is important to help lay the proper foundation for him or her to follow,” Pittman said.
Wanting to help struggling students both in college and high school, Pittman found a suitor for his ambitions and services at Child First USA.
“What attracted me to Child First was the sincerity of helping children. There are many nonprofit organizations out there that tailor to the recovery of the unfortunate situations of children. However, this is the first organization that I have been a part of that focuses on annual support for students in the academic, emotional, and physical realms,” explained Pittman.
Pittman has taken on the internship role of “Case Manager,” meaning he is in charge of coordinating Child First’s various tutoring and mentoring services. Working with his mentorship team, Pittman has dedicated himself to intellectually and emotionally aiding students attending Atlanta Public Schools.
“What I hope to accomplish with the students is building self-esteem. These students have experienced a lot in their lives and building that confidence and motivation will allow them to tear down some of the bricks that continuously hold them back. I also want to inspire them to want more out of life,” Pittman added.
As a mentor, tutor, student, father, and friend, Pittman believes that one his greatest offers is commonality.
“I can relate to the students and can understand (to some degree) his or her struggles. My approach is to be encouraging, patient, and always ready and willing to listen. Relationships take time to build. Letting the law of nature run its course in time will lead to forming a rapport,” Pittman continued.
A rapport has already formed amongst Pittman and his team of fellow dedicated interns at Child First. “It is good to see a group of inspired, intelligent, and ambitious students together without any quarrels or egos,” said Pittman.
The 35-year-old Pittman calls the births of his children (twin daughters, 12, and a son, 7) and graduating from college his proudest moments. Asked to describe himself in a word, Pittman responded with “perceptive.”
With individuals like Derrick on the team, Child First USA’s ceiling appears limitless. Check back in a week for our next Intern Spotlight.
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