The generations have never been more different.

Those who grew up with vinyl records may have never ripped a CD. Those in the youngest generation may have never placed a phone call from a phone booth or even used a phone with a curly cord attached to the base. One group was born with a computer mouse in hand while the other may not know a monitor from a modem.

The difference between the generations is the theme of the third Sandhills Community College Career Focus magazine.

"The inspiration for the theme for this edition came when I attended a seminar at the college," said Karen Manning, director of marketing and public relations for Sandhills Community College and editor of Career Focus. "The seminar focused on the Millennials and how this younger generation is so very different from the preceding generations.

"I have two teenagers, and I thought they were the only ones who slept with their cell phones. I learned this is normal for the Millennials. There are lots of other things us baby boomers think are a bit odd but are normal characteristics of the Millennials.

Manning said she had a great time researching and writing the article about the Millennials.

"I learned a lot, and I hope the readers will enjoy it," she said. "I also had fun formulating a quiz. It lists characteristics, movies, sayings, TV shows, musical artists and other items and the reader determines the generation the list refers.

"As I thought more about using the generations as a theme, I began to realize how the community college environment is more like the 'real world' than the four-year university. The large majority of students in a university classroom are straight from high school; they are similar in age. At a community college, we could have a dual-enrolled high school student in the same class as a mother of teenagers or a retired grandparent.

Manning said the age diversity found in the community college is beneficial. In the work environment, graduates will work alongside people of all ages and it will feel normal to them, she said.

"I profiled nine students and asked each how students in the other generations impacted their college experience," Manning said. "Most began to realize how they, too, had benefited others of different ages -- that they had something to gain from and something to offer those in the other generations.

"As I was working on the stories, I found a family in which the mom, a baby boomer, attended Sandhills with her daughters. One daughter is a Gen X-er, and the other is a Millennial. Their story became my lead article and cover photo.

"When we shot the photos for the cover, I got exactly what I wanted. The boomer and the Gen X-er are peering at the Millennial with a wondering and skeptical look as she manages her laptop, cell phone and ipod.

Manning said that hearing the students' stories is always inspirational.

"Sandhills has impacted the lives of so many individuals in our community. Attending college at Sandhills is more than just taking classes. Lives are changed. People discover abilities and strengths they never knew they possessed. They leave here not only prepared for a career, they are stronger and have renewed hope. They go on to better our community."

The magazine also focuses on the new Digital Media Technology program that will begin in the fall semester. Space is given to the new athletic program at the college and the virtual tour of the college found on the Web site.

Two pages are dedicated to every health career related program available at Sandhills.

"Health care is one of the best fields in our area where graduates are certain to find jobs," Manning said. "I put together a comprehensive listing of everything we offer, whether it be medical office related, in the health science fields, nursing, therapeutic massage, and even programs offered through Continuing Education."

Career Focus is mailed to every household in Moore and Hoke Counties. This edition will go to more than 65,000 homes. In addition to mailing the magazine to homes, Career Focus is used by SCC recruiters on high school visits and when they talk to prospective students.

"One of the best features of the magazine is our comprehensive list of programs, which is laid out in an easy-to-read format," Manning said. "Every program, every degree, diploma and certificate, along with career preparation and typical places of employment one can expect by earning the degree is listed. It is all presented in an easy-to-read and understandable format.

"Career Focus is the face of the college in many respects. It allows our community to see what we're up to, how we're growing and adapting, how we are benefiting the community, and most importantly, how we're allocating their money. It tells our story."

The summer issue should reach homes before the end of July.

The fall semester begins Aug. 18. Current or returning students can register July 16-23 and Aug. 14.

New students need to apply online or in the Office of Student Services on campus and take the college placement test. SAT or ACT scores are not required but may exempt students from taking all or part of the placement test.

Once these two steps are completed, new students meet with a personal advise on registration day to build a schedule of classes. Registration day for new students is July 17 and Aug. 14.