Barbara and Terry Smith appear to be just like everyone else their age. They’ve both enjoyed long-time careers at their respective jobs, their daughter has just graduated high school, and they have been happily married for 21 years. However, there is nothing ordinary about this couple who has decided to start new careers when most people their age are looking to retire.

Barbara and Terry recently enrolled in Sampson Community College’s Truck Driver Training program through Continuing Education, and say it’s been the best decision they have ever made. “Driving a truck has been a lifetime dream of mine,” states Terry. “So one day, I turned to Barbara and asked her if she would like to join me.” Barbara laughs as he tells this story, and most would expect Barbara’s reaction to have been one of shock. However, she said yes without hesitation. “We’re best friends. We’re not just husband and wife, and we’ve always done everything together, so why not this,” she adds.

Terry Smith is employeed with Smithfield Packing in Tarheel, while Barbara has enjoyed 26 years of employment at Garland Shirt Company. “Most people might think we’re crazy,” adds Terry, “but our daughter is grown and out of the house, and we’re looking forward to this new chapter in our lives.” When asked what his daughter thinks about her parents’ decision, they unanimously say, “She’s ecstatic!”.

“She’s not the least bit surprised,” adds Barbara. “She knows we’re always looking for adventure.”

Once they decided to go back to school, they said picking the school was the easiest part. “SCC was a no-brainer for us,” says Terry. Barbara inquired about several colleges and truck driving schools, but she says the hometown feeling and genuine sincerity for teaching is what swayed them to SCC. “We talked to Fred Stamey, coordinator and lead instructor for the program, and his passion for driving was apparent over the phone.”

However, there was one obstacle in their way: they were put on a waiting list. They decided to show up anyway on registration night, and they said it was fate that led them to SCC. “When we arrived, two people didn’t show up, and we took that as a sure sign that those spots were meant for us,” says Terry. “SCC is by far the finest driving school around,” adds Barbara. “This is the elite. Not only has it been an affordable option for us,” adds Terry, “But the high skill level of training we have received is the best, bar none.”

Since enrolling at SCC, they say it’s been much more challenging than they had anticipated, but they say it’s a welcome challenge. “There’s a lot of responsibility that goes along with driving a tractor trailer,” says Terry. “However, we have the finest teacher around to prepare us for what to expect when out on the roads. He’s truly taught us to respect the truck and the roads where we drive.” Their affections for Stamey are mutual. According to Stamey, “Barbara and Terry Smith are two of the finest students around. They’re the ideal students, because they’re eager to learn and they soak up every bit of knowledge.”

However, Stamey says he’s tough on them as he is with all of his students. In fact, the students jokingly refer to Stamey’s teaching style as “Truckers Boot Camp.” “I’ve never been in the military,” jokes Terry. “But I can imagine those officers can’t be tougher than Stamey, and we appreciate that.” According to Barbara and Terry, Stamey expects perfection, and they say they aim to make him proud. Barbara and Terry say they anticipate graduation on April 21, after receiving 16 weeks of coursework and obstacle course training. As for their future, the Smith’s say they’re looking forward to riding off into the sunset as they embark on this new journey in their lives.

For more information regarding the Truck Driver Training Program at SCC, contact Stamey at (910) 592-7176.