Students separated by nearly eight decades gather around sewing machines inside Mary Jo Gabel’s Community Education classroom at Allan Hancock College. Some are learning to thread a needle for the first time. Others have been sewing for years. Together, they have found far more than sewing techniques. It’s a place where creativity, friendship and lifelong learning bring generations together.
Among them is 98-year-old Rae Gibbs, one of Hancock’s oldest current students. Gibbs has spent more than three decades taking Community Education classes at Hancock. Recently, classmates gathered to celebrate her birthday with cake, laughter and songs, recognizing not only another year of life but a student whose enthusiasm for learning continues to inspire those around her.
For Gibbs, sewing is more than a hobby.
“All I want to do is sew for my seven great-grandchildren,” she said.
She continues to learn new techniques in Gabel’s class, creating handmade gifts for her family while discovering modern sewing methods she never imagined using decades ago.
At the other end of the classroom sits 20-year-old Saramerrie Torres, one of several younger students enrolled in the course. While many might expect nearly an 80-year age difference to create distance, Torres says it has become one of the class’s greatest strengths.
“I love our age difference because they have so much wisdom to share,” Torres said. “Whatever problems I have, it’s a super easy fix for them. Mary Jo is an amazing instructor, and everyone gives so much advice and support. It’s amazing.”
For Gabel, those connections are exactly what Community Education is all about.
“I show them the basics, and then I want them to expand it,” Gabel said. “That’s what I want as a teacher. I love people, and I love making something.”
Rather than simply following patterns, students are encouraged to develop their own ideas, experiment with new techniques and learn from one another. Projects range from quilts and clothing to embroidered jackets, holiday gifts and personalized keepsakes.
Gibbs isn’t the only student whose Community Education journey spans decades. Fellow student Ruby Lettenberger has participated in the college’s Community Education classes for nearly 50 years, illustrating the lasting friendships, creativity and lifelong learning that keep students returning year after year.
“This story reflects what Community Education is all about,” said Alicia Paniagua, dean of Community Education at Allan Hancock College. “Our classes bring people of different generations together to learn from one another, build meaningful friendships and discover new creative skills. It’s never too early or too late to learn something new.”
Whether students are beginning a new hobby, refining decades of experience or simply looking for a welcoming place to connect with others, Community Education provides tuition-free opportunities to continue learning throughout every stage of life.
While Rae Gibbs may be one of Hancock’s oldest current students, she arrives each week with the same curiosity and excitement as classmates decades younger.
For more information about Allan Hancock College Community Education classes, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/
