The Shorthorn - Three dads share experiences for Father’s Day

HOME

Campus Life

Three dads share experiences for Father’s Day

Written by Ali Mustansir, The Shorthorn staff

Tuesday, 16 June 2009 07:06 PM

Education can change a person. So can being a father.

Provost Donald Bobbitt, Development Vice President Jim Lewis and history senior Terry Duncan all are juggling careers or studies at UTA while being fathers. Father’s Day is Sunday, but they influence their children’s lives every day.

Left, Provost Donald Bobbitt along with his sons Jon and Chris at an Oakland Athletics game. (Courtesy Photo: The Bobbitt family)

Donald, Chris and Jon Bobbitt

“The car hit the house,” Donald said he heard over the phone.

Donald said his son Chris, a public administration graduate student, had wanted to drive since he was a child but was not allowed until he turned 16. Donald learned during that phone call that Chris had knocked a few bricks loose on the house while trying to drive.

“Well that is quite impossible, since you can’t drive,” Donald calmly told his son after the crash, instead of getting angry.

Chris said his father is influential in his life.

“He is just a great role model to try to follow, to try and use his guidance to help me be a better individual,” he said.

Chris said his father never pushed him into a decision, instead giving him insight that helped him.

Jon, Lyon College chemistry junior, said his father inspired him to study chemistry by taking him to his lab, while Donald was a chemistry professor at the University of Arkansas, and letting him “wash the dishes” — beakers and other instruments.

“He’s a great guy,” he said. “I try to be like him in most ways. I try to work as hard as he does. He seems to be there for anyone. An all-around great guy.”

Donald said he tends to play down Father’s Day because he didn’t do the work alone.

“I’m thankful, as I am sure all parents are, to be a part of my children’s lives,” Donald said. “But I cannot talk about my children without mentioning their mom, who is 50 percent of the team.”

Jim and Tyler Lewis

Jim’s son Tyler returned from a 14-month Iraq tour with the U.S. Army in February and may be deployed to Afghanistan next spring.

“He was a kid without direction in his life,” Jim said. “I don’t know what would have happened if he hadn’t joined the Army.”

Jim said Tyler enlisted and started boot camp before he turned 18, and was one of three soldiers under 18 in his company. Jim said the Army was a transformational experience. The responsibility, lessons and experiences of the military helped him grow into a man, he said.

“Being a parent is by far the hardest thing I have ever done, but it’s the greatest thing I have ever done,” Jim said.

He said he believes if people knew what went into parenting before having children, they would never have them. But it is worth it, he said.

“Until I was a parent I didn’t realize the depth of love I could have for someone else,” Jim said. “I would take a bullet for him. I’ll do anything I can to help him be a successful, happy person.”

History senior Terry Duncan soothes his three-month-old son, Andrew, while his wife, English junior Elizabeth, speaks with a relative Monday at the University Center Palo Duro Lounge. The two met in 2002 while working at a Cinemark and married in 2006. Elizabeth said she plans on having a simple Father’s Day celebration with a surprise gift for Terry. (The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran)

Terry and Andrew Duncan

Andrew Miles Duncan likely won’t give his dad a Father’s Day gift. At three months old, this will be his first time helping Dad celebrate.

Terry is learning to balance the school and family responsibilities.

Terry said the changes to his lifestyle have been easy — getting used to sleeping a few hours a night took about a week. He said his biggest challenge has been learning how much to feed Andrew.

Terry and his wife have been together since 2002 and married in 2006. He doesn’t know what his wife has planned for Sunday — and hopes nothing will spoil the surprise.

“I’m looking forward to [Father’s Day] a lot. It’s my first one,” he said. “It will be special and it will be a surprise.”

Related stories

Related Items