[Clinton, N.C.]— Angela Corbett is an Associate in General Occupational Technology (GOT) student at Sampson Community College (SCC) who also participates in the College’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) program— returning to school while balancing full-time work, motherhood, and college courses.
A 1985 graduate of Dunn High School, Corbett decided to pursue higher education at SCC in August 2022, after a prolonged job search in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2021, Corbett explained that she completed various interviews and sent out numerous resumes throughout the year, but to no avail. After months of no success, she finally found a position working in a local high school cafeteria in March.
However, as she began work, Corbett remarked that she found herself wanting to interact with the students on a deeper level— she wanted to teach. But in order to work within a classroom, Corbett needed to return to school. So, in Fall of 2022, she applied to the GOT program at SCC in pursuit of her Associate of Applied Science degree.
Corbett elaborated, “In August of 2021 I needed a job, after the pandemic scare. During those months of looking for a job, I had thought about going back to school. The job I landed was at our local high school in the cafeteria. I was so happy to have it. But as I worked and began to meet new people and interact with the students, I found myself wanting more. I found that I needed my associate’s degree or have completed 48 credit hours to work in the classroom. So in the Fall of 2022, I signed up for classes at SCC.”
Working to balance full-time work, courses, and family responsibilities, Corbett was first introduced to WBL by Dr. Susan Baxter, retired Division Chair of Education, Business, and Human Services Technologies at SCC, who added WBL to her GOT curriculum as an elective.
According to Donna Odum, Work Based Learning Coordinator at SCC, this decision made “perfect sense” for Corbett, allowing her to earn academic credit through the career she already held. Through WBL, Corbett ultimately earned 8 credit-hours of electives to apply towards her AAS, eliminating three classes she would have been required to take.
Odum remarked, “Angela is a prime example of taking advantage of WBL classes to ‘learn on the job’ while getting academic credit. Since she had just started a new position and was working almost 40 hours a week, it made perfect sense for her to take WBL 113 for a 3-hour elective credit. For Angela, it was the perfect solution. She was able to work towards goals that related directly to her curriculum. It was wonderful watching her progress in her career and earn academic credit as well. She is extremely conscientious and has excelled with Work-Based Learning!”
The Work-Based Learning program at SCC is an innovative program that offers students a unique opportunity to gain valuable work experience while simultaneously earning college credit. Designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, this hands-on learning experience empowers students to thrive in their chosen fields.
“This program has given me the opportunity to earn credits towards my degree and answer questions about my experience and determine what my next steps will be,” voiced Corbett. “Through the WBL program I met Mrs. Odum, she explained how the program worked and has proven to be a fantastic resource for me. The instructors and process make it very attainable to achieve your degree. I do believe my efforts have been profitable in my job/career adventures.”
After completing 48-credit hours towards her AAS degree, Corbett applied for the teacher assistant position she had yearned for and was offered the job. Now, she only has two classes left to complete her associates, planning to graduate in December 2024 or May 2025. In the future, Corbett hopes to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.
Overall, Corbett stated that she would highly recommend SCC and WBL to other prospective students looking to further their education. As an older student and mother who returned, she noted that while her journey has been “challenging” at times, the benefits of the WBL program and the support she’s received from her loved ones have made it worthwhile.
She closed, “My experience with the program that SCC offers has been a challenging experience for me because I have waited so long or so late in life to acquire my degree. But my family has been a great support to my education, I also have teacher friends at my school that continue to encourage me to keep on going. I have accepted and enjoyed the challenges that have been presented to me. I have learned and experienced new things while on this journey.”
Sampson CC very proud of Angela and her accomplishments at the College and in WBL thus far. SCC is glad she made the decision to return to school and admires her dedication throughout. The College looks forward to seeing all she will continue to do in the education field.
For more information about Work-Based Learning at SCC or how to apply, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/wbl
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
