Education has no age limit at Sampson Community College where in any given classroom students range in age from 14-60. With the Sampson Early College High School housed on campus and a large population of displaced workers, SCC is truly bridging the generational gap and generating creative learning strategies to cater to the diverse student population.

One such example of student diversity is in the College Student Success class, a mandated course for curriculum students that familiarizes students with college life and promotes personal development essential for success. Randy Wiggins, Instructor, says he has revised his conventional methods of teaching the course to accommodate the wide range of educational objectives in the classroom. This, he says, is in large part, because half of the nearly fifty students in the class are under the age of 18 while older displaced workers account for the other half. “SCC has always served both traditional and non-traditional students. This fall, however, I’ve witnessed the largest and most diverse enrollment ever, and it’s definitely keeping me on my toes.”

Shelia Hall, who is in Wiggins’ class, is a 52 year-old freshman. Prior to coming to SCC, Hall spent the last 34 years working in a manufacturing plant until the company moved its operations overseas. “I had no choice but to come back to school,” states Hall. “It was the most helpless feeling in the world, because I didn’t know any other way of life.” Despite the setback, Hall says she feels the worst circumstance ended up being a blessing in disguise. “SCC has welcomed me with open arms, and it’s good to know that they welcome students of all ages and all backgrounds. They’ve given me an overwhelming amount of support, and I intend to give them 100 percent in return.”

Summer Pittman, a Sampson Early College High School freshman, is enrolled with Hall. They are alike in many ways, with one distinct difference: they are 38 years apart in age. Pittman, a 14 year-old, who just transferred from Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School, says she feels like she has entered a whole new world at SCC. “I’m used to going to school where everyone is the same age and has similar interests. It’s been very overwhelming to see the age differences and the diversity of the general student population,” she says.

Pittman says, however, despite the age differences on campus, the instructors work together to unify the student body. “Mr. Wiggins goes above and beyond to accommodate the needs of the entire class.” Additionally, Pittman goes on to say that she’s thrilled there are older students on campus. “Mrs. Hall, along with many of the older students in my classes, has been a great inspiration to me. I’m glad to know they, like me, have found their place here at SCC.”