[Clinton, N.C.] – William Scharp is a current student in Sampson Community College’s (SCC) Human Services Technology (HST) program. Planning to graduate in May with an associate’s degree and two certificates, Scharp currently maintains a 4.0 GPA while balancing fatherhood, full-time work, and serving in ministry. His passion for social work stems from the support of his family, faith in Christ, and from life experiences that have shaped him today.
A 1999 graduate of Big Rapids High School in Michigan, Scharp enrolled in the HST program at SCC in 2023. He was encouraged to apply by his wife, who had earned several certifications at the College in the past– always noting her enjoyment of the classes and learning experiences she had on campus. However, his desire to help others through social work is also fueled by his Christian faith and the trials he endured as a young man.
Scharp shared, “My wife, April, encouraged me to start here and I’m happy I did. I believe God has led me to be a social worker. This journey began while I was a teenager, I’m 43 now. I started using drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and it led me down the path of trials and heartbreak. I look back at the times that I struggled, and I’ve concluded that if there was someone in my life that understood and genuinely cared, my life would not have been as difficult as it was. I have those people now. “
“It’s my prayer that I can be that one person for as many people as I can. It’s my prayer to help change the world.”
In addition to being a full-time student, Scharp balances work as a full-time as a fish monger, volunteering at Lifeline Sampson, and serving on the student ministry team at Clinton Family Worship Center. Most recently, he volunteered at “A Night to Shine” and returned home from a weeklong mission trip. Scharp’s also a proud husband and father of two, who have all supported him throughout his decision to return to school.
“My family are my biggest cheerleaders,” he remarked. “I didn’t do it by myself, I’ve got a huge support system. I got a bad grade on a test once and I was devastated. My 13-year-old daughter told me that one test doesn’t define me. My son also inspires me to work hard because he is always asking tough questions, and it encourages me to dig deeper into the meaning of things.”
Scharp also wished to thank Katie Butler, Department Chair of Human Services Technology, and Sarah Burgin, Arts & Sciences Instructor, for their “remarkable influence” throughout his time in the HST program. He explained that Butler was always quick to offer much needed advice, while Burgin’s courses were greatly interesting— ultimately leading him join the Lifeline Sampson team.
He voiced, “I’ve had two teachers that have really had a remarkable influence on me. Mrs. Katie Bulter went above and beyond helping me fine tune my goals, I believe she knew what my path was before I did. I was unsure of so many paths to explore, and she took the time to explain them to me and never got frustrated. Secondly, Ms. Sarah Burgin, whose classes I’ve learned so much from. I’m now taking one as an elective! She also introduced me to the people at Lifeline and I will be forever grateful because the Lord has opened so many doors for me through her.”
In the future, Scharp plans to attend the School of Social Work at UNCW to earn his undergraduate degree, then pursue his Master of Social Work. Looking back, he mentioned that SCC and the HST program have truly served as a “wonderful starting place” to accomplishing his academic goals. Not only have they laid a strong transfer foundation, but they’ve taught him that the “sky is the limit” when it comes to education.
He closed, “Human Services Technology has been such a great experience. It has allowed me to discover who I am fundamentally and taught me that learning to help people is a lifelong process full of rich experiences. I’ve had wonderful instructors, and I’ve met some people that I know will be lifelong friends. My experience has taught me that the sky is the limit, and has helped me lay a strong foundation on which I can grow from. SCC has helped me find out who I am in academia. I’m thankful to God for leading me here.”
Sampson CC is proud of William. The College admires his hard work and dedication, and looks forward to seeing all he will do within the Human Services field to help others succeed.
For more information about the Human Services Technology program, visit sampsoncc.edu/human-services-technology
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.
