CHOCOWINITY — On Wednesday, Chocowinity Primary School welcomed former NFL player Terrance Copper to speak to third- and fourth-graders as part of College and Career Week.

Copper is a Washington native, and during his football career, played wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.

School counselor Leslea Jones said College and Career Week has consisted of many activities, including “dressing for success,” practicing interview skills and learning about different college campuses.

Copper spoke about his experience in the NFL and how he almost lost everything because of bad decision-making. His draft chances were hurt after he was involved and charged in an altercation, and Copper said he surrounded himself with the wrong crowd.

He told the students that decisions matter when it comes to their future. Copper eventually turned his life around thanks to a strong Christian faith.

Jones said it is never too early to start teaching students those soft skills they will need later in life. Chocowinity Primary’s fourth-graders will move on to the middle school next year, and building that foundation is important.

She said the students have enjoyed the activities, and it is neat for her to see them learning these life skills.

On Friday, East Carolina University athletes will pay a visit to the younger grades’ classrooms.