Horizons Online Edition

Students who work on campus or who have ever been to the Student Employment Office know how much fun can be had while in there. Recently two of the student workers in the office were blessed with news that would change both of their lives forever. Paul Nix and Gladys Yanez recently became the proud parents of a new born on Jan. 15, 2006. After 16 hours of labor Mark Anthony Nix was born weighing 7 lb and 4 oz and was 20 inches long.

When Paul and Gladys first found out they were having a baby the concept was rather new for each of them. However, the news quickly became real when "We first got an ultrasound. It was a very powerful and moving experience seeing that we would have a baby boy that had ten fingers and ten toes. We remember right after the ultrasound we had lunch at the airport and decided that we would name him Mark Anthony Nix. That day was also the start of us realizing that we had no clue how to raise a child."

One might think that news of having baby in the middle of your senior year could pose a problem however for Paul and Gladys "It really did not affect our studies. We both love going to school, so we continue going."

For the parents to be they were lucky to have the support of the school specifically from the staff the Financial Aid Department. "They gave us great support and guidance. They also threw us a great baby shower. The biggest help and support was from Erline Casey. Words can not describe how generous and caring she was. But she was disappointed that we did not name our boy Tlaquepaque." Additionally, Gladys and Paul found support from her sister of Alpha Sigma Tau "The sisters were always there for us. It's always nice knowing we have so many babysitters ready and willing in case we ever need them. They also threw a great baby shower for us."

Despite being full time students and raising a new born Gladys and Paul are handling the challenge "Being both full time students taking our senior level class and raising a new born, has been the most rewarding personal experiences in both of our lives. No matter how much homework or lack of sleep we get it is greatest feeling to hear Mark breath and make little noises when he sleeps." Paul will graduate in the Spring 06 semester and Gladys in the Fall 06 semester but for now their focus is being a family.

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