Hannah Pearson, a 17-year-old college junior, is on an accelerated path to earn her teaching degree by 19.
Recently settling into her new life at UNC Pembroke, Pearson’s enthusiasm for education is evident.
“Because I just love to learn new information and just explore, learning many things.” Pearson
According to WRAL News, Pearson’s dedication to her studies enabled her to graduate ahead of schedule from Fairmont High School and earn her teaching degree at a tender age.
Her mother has been an educator at this school for nearly three decades.
Her mom, Miranda McNair, is proud of Hannah.
“She is self-driven. Even into foreign languages. She [says], oh, I want to learn a new language, so she’ll learn Korean, learn Spanish and learn Portuguese.” Miranda McNair
Pearson leveraged North Carolina’s Career and College Promise (CCP) Program in her sophomore year.
Melissa Singler, the president of Robeson Community College, explained the program’s benefits.
“It’s a free program which makes education very affordable for students. They can graduate from both high school and college at the same time.”
Pearson successfully earned 60 college credits through this program to spur her toward her teaching degree.
Getting Her Teaching Degree At 19 Will Be A Source Of Inspiration
Pearson’s determination isn’t just limited to her academic pursuits.
Her father, Brian McNair, spoke about how Hannah’s drive inspired him to return to school and complete his bachelor’s degree at UNC Pembroke this past May.
“I can’t tell her to do something, to go after something that I haven’t achieved myself … so I got back into school at UNC Pembroke. I finished my bachelor’s degree in May. I am very, very, very, very — I think I’ve told her three times this morning and maybe all weekend — proud of her. God has given her a platform to show other kids that this is achievable.”
The CCP Program is tailored for high school students who meet specific academic standards.
It lets them earn transferable college credits or pursue courses that lead to career-centric certificates or diplomas at their local community college.
