Donald Perkins, M.Ed. | The You First Project
Donald Perkins, M.Ed.
dperki12@tnstate.edu
https://tnstate.campus.eab.com/pal/ZvvYIKPIjB
Favorite Quote: “You have not lived a perfect day until you’ve done something for somebody who cannot repay you.” – Coach John Wooden
Favorite Quote #2: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” – Stephen Covey
Job Title: First-Generation Specialist
Coaching Mindset: To listen carefully to others before giving my advice. Listening is more important than speaking, because many lives can change just by their state of listening, before responding.
Higher Education Background:
- B.A. – English with a Concentration in Newsmedia: Elizabeth City State University
- M.Ed. – Education: Cambridge College
- Army Veteran
Interests and Hobbies:
- Writing
- Traveling
- Riding my bike
- Attending sporting events
Top Life Defining Moments in Higher Education: One of my top defining moments in higher education has been listening to students and hearing their stories. I am always amazed by the hurdles of their current conditions and situations they are facing, even though they must still attend classes, and study for exams. I have found that they are the real superheroes, who juggle so much, while carrying loads of issues strapped to their backs.
When in College, I Experienced:
- Playing college baseball
- Being a first-generation student
- Balancing school and serving in the North Carolina Army National Guard
- Being Sports Editor for the college newspaper
- Financial stress
- My dad passing away