“They laugh at me these fellows just because I am small. They laugh at me because I’m not a 100 feet tall. I tell them there’s a lot to learn down here on the ground. The world is big but little people turn it around…” Les Mis

I’m not going to talk about Les Mis or midgets but I want to pay tribute to the people in my daily life in Iwaki who play a minor role but who can always put a smile on my face. I’ve written about them before, the crossing guard, parking lot man who guarded the lot in front of the Music Center who always said Hello.

While those people have moved on to better locations, today's “little person” works for S.C (Super Center), the local grocery store. He is a high school student who works at S.C part time, evenings and weekends. Our paths don’t always cross but when I see him he always brightens my day. He has the biggest smile and friendly manners. He usually tries to say at least one thing in English such as the amount of change I’m getting, thank you, you’re welcome etc. It’s such a small thing that has a big impact. I know other ALTs have noticed him and appreciate him too but I wonder if he has the same effect on the local Japanese people. Thanks S.C high school boy!!