Life for senior Marquez Hicks took a sharp turn on September 8, 2011. That’s the day his son, Marquez, Jr., was born.
He and junior Katia Brooks had a son together.
Brooks is taking some maternity time off from school for now, but Hicks says he has a newfound reason to hit the books. He says he owes it to his son to become a high school graduate. Here’s what he told The Southfield Jay:
Q: So you’re a new father. Tell us about your son.
A: Tough to say that. When I’m in my girlfriend’s house, all he would do is eat, sleep, and poop.
Q: How are you balancing fatherhood and school?
A: It’s tough. Everyone makes you out to be the bad guy. School is not too balanced. It’s hard to adjust to it. Before (my son) was born, I wasn’t into school. Since then, I have realized the importance of school.
Q: What is your role in raising the child?
A: Suprisingly, I play a big role in raising our child. Katia is the type of girl who’s independent but since we have Marquez, Jr. now, she comes to me in making decisions. Makes me feel like a dad.
Q: How have people reacted to you as a young father?
A: The big reaction is like “Oh my god! You messed up your life!” That rare few make you feel special about what you did, Most adults shame me.
Q: Will this keep you from attending college?
A: No. The only thing that might is where I would go and what I’ll do. I said before I wasn’t into school, but I do have plans on making college a priority.
Q: How will you support the child?
A: Tough question.
Q:What else is going on in your life?
A: My life is on chill mode. I’m focusing on my family, trying to provide a financial, stable future for Katia and our son.
Q: How did Marquez Jr. affect your future?
A: He didn’t put a halt on my life. It made me look at the bigger picture.
Q: You wear a tie to school even though it’s not required. Why is that?
A: I love ties, they’re so beautiful. Adds a little style to my dress code
Q: What type of parenting skills do you plan to raise your child with?
A: I’m planning to use induction because that’s the best method to use.
Q: What’s induction?
A: It’s a parenting style that uses reasoning and explanations to adjust a child’s actions instead of being authoritative or permissive.
Q: What are your other interests?
A: I love radio and talking to people. I’m a talkative person. I’ve been at WSHJ 88.3 -FM (the school’s station) for 3 years, applying what I know about radio.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: It’s hard to say. I follow and do my own thing, so I love myself.