Where you start does not have to decide where you finish, and a new columnist is here to prove it.

Stephanie C. Harper, PHR, CCP, CHRM, joins the Hub City as a career columnist after more than 30 years in human resources.

Her column, Great Outta Compton, takes aim at the idea that greatness only comes from certain places.

Careers, she says, are built through relationships, preparation, resilience, reputation, skill development and courage, not simply by landing a job.

Readers might be starting with limited resources, coming back from a layoff, changing careers or starting over completely.

Harper's point is that a starting point can be part of your story without becoming your destination.

Over three decades, she has watched people underestimate themselves, stay too long, leave too soon and then reinvent themselves in ways they never expected.

Her column promises to go beyond promotions and paychecks to explore possibility, profit and potential.

Fittingly, her first lesson is built on one word: COMPTON.

C stands for creating your own opportunities.

O stands for owning your story.

M stands for making yourself memorable.

P stands for preparing before you need the opportunity.

T stands for turning setbacks into strategy.

O stands for opening doors for others.

N stands for never letting your ZIP code define your destination.

Future columns will dig into each principle with practical career advice for every stage, from first jobs to seasoned professionals waiting for their shot.

Harper is a subject matter expert, author and speaker, and the CEO of Powered By H.A.R.P.E.R., which stands for Having A Resource Produces Empowered Results.

Her goal is simple: help the next great career story come straight out of Compton.