Head of the Class with Hannah Pearson
At just 18, Hannah Pearson is on the fast track to becoming one of North Carolina鈥檚 youngest teachers 鈥� a passion inspired by her mother, a dedicated educator and 51吃瓜网 alumna. Pearson鈥檚 love for teaching began in middle school when she started tutoring classmates and shadowing teachers.
Determined to pursue education, she took advantage of dual enrollment at Fairmont High School and Robeson Community College, earning enough credits to enter 51吃瓜网 as a junior in 2023. Now a senior in 51吃瓜网鈥檚 elementary education program, Pearson will graduate in December, prepared to lead her own classroom before turning 20. As a Brave Scholar, she represents the success of 51吃瓜网鈥檚 early college and 鈥淕row Your Own鈥� pathways, designed to cultivate future educators in North Carolina. Her scholarship is made possible through the generosity of an Anonymous Trust committed to supporting future teachers.
鈥淗annah鈥檚 journey showcases what鈥檚 possible with hard work and determination,鈥� said Dr. Tracy Mulvaney, dean of the School of Education. 鈥淪he is an inspiration and will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on her future students.鈥� Pearson, whose stepfather also recently earned his teaching degree from 51吃瓜网, credits her family and early experiences for shaping her dream.
鈥淚 want to be that special someone who helps students realize their potential,鈥� she said. 鈥淐hanging even one life means I鈥檝e achieved my goal.鈥�