CCCC’s Pearson wins NCCCS regional award
Jan 09, 2008

SANFORD –The North Carolina Community College System’s Human Resources Development (HRD) Division has honored Central Carolina Community College student Terra Pearson as its Central Region Outstanding HRD Student for 2007.

The recognition took place at the System’s HRD-Career Start Training Academy Dec. 6 in Winston-Salem. 
 
“It was a privilege to be nominated – I never thought I would win,” Pearson said. “It’s exciting, indescribable.”
 
She was selected for the award based on her achievements in CCCC’s Human Resources Development program at the Harnett County Campus during the 2006-2007 academic year. The award was also recognition that she exemplified the mission of HRD, which is educating and training individuals for success.
 
Pearson, a resident of Cameron, Harnett County, dropped out of high school, married and had three children. Eighteen years later, she decided to drop back in. She had learned she needed an education to get a good job. She also wanted to set a good example for her children, ages 18, 16, and 4, on the importance of getting an education. 
 
At CCCC’s Adult High School program in Lillington, it took Pearson just 2 1/2 months to complete the course work for her diploma, with honors and a 93.5 grade point average. For her achievements, she was chosen as one of the student speakers for the June 2007 AHS graduation. Pearson then enrolled in HRD programs to learn skills such as writing a winning résumé and cover letter, networking, and personal presentation.

“The skills and confidence I gained in HRD also inspired me in my personal life,” she said. “My whole life is different – I can tell it in what I’ve accomplished: More doors have opened.”
 
Students visit businesses as part of the HRD program’s career exploration. Pearson knew she had found her future career when her class visited a medical office. Now she’s enrolled in the medical office administration degree program at the Harnett County Campus. 
 
“There’s nothing like an education,” she said. “I can’t stress that enough. I advise people who have dropped out to push themselves and get back into school. 
 
Pearson competed for the award against HRD students from the 19 community colleges within the Central Region.

“Terra's award is a well-deserved recognition of her achievements spawned after her completion of the HRD classes taught by instructor Nicole Brown,” said Phyllis Huff, CCCC director of Human Resources Development. “I hope that other adults who want to achieve in life will be inspired by Terra’s recognition to participate in HRD classes. The goals of the statewide program are to help adults, who may not think that their futures exist in the realm of success, to envision and create future goals for themselves.”