Vance Woman Shows Never Too Old To Learn

Johnnie Sanders, 91, admits she is no spring chicken, but she is not too old to use a computer.

"I can develop the hobby that I have. My hobby is writing poetry," she said.

Sanders retired 45 years ago as a teacher, librarian and staffer with the Vance County school system. Back then, technology consisted of a pencil, paper and a manual typewriter.

"Through the years, I have written poetry on several occasions and never saved anything," she said.

At first, she thought about re-entering the first-grade to learn computer skills with the kids. Then, she phoned Vance Granville Community College.

"I asked her, 'did you take old, old, old people,' and I told her how old I am," Sanders said. "She said, 'Yes, we have one in another school that has you by a year.'"

Sanders said she is excited about learning how to communicate using e-mail. There is no age limit in enrolling in continuing education classes at the community college system. A classmate of Sanders is 88, another student enrolled in the class is 82. Nine of the students are 70 years old and older.