Sweet home, Midland, Texas

Midland College (MC) employees often refer to one another as the "MC family." For Denise and Justin Beach, the term "MC family" extends to more than just being coworkers. This husband and wife team has not only found a home in Midland, but also found fulfilling careers at Midland College. In fact, both have recently received promotions within their respective departments.

Denise works in the MC Business Office as a Student Account Assistant/Cashier, and Justin has found his MC niche as the Multimedia Promotions Coordinator in the Media Services Department. Denise says, "Having jobs in different departments and buildings on campus allows us to have some 'career independence,' but we can still have lunch together. Working for the same organization has brought us closer together, and MC employees really have become our extended family."

Denise and Justin moved to Midland from Montana with their two oldest children in September 2005 because Justin had the opportunity to start a video production company in Midland. He still does a little bit of independent video production work, but since February 2009, most of his videography has focused on MC events and promotions. Justin is responsible for producing digital animation for MC's online advertisements; coordinating audio/visual needs for special events, seminars and workshops; and producing a great deal of MC's video recruitment and marketing materials. J. Don Wallace, Justin's supervisor and Director of Media Services, says, "We were so fortunate to find Justin. His original job description did not include extensive videography and computer animation responsibilities, but with technology expanding, we found a need to do more in-house digital productions. Justin had the expertise and came along at the right time."

Denise's job is completely different. She has been employed in the MC Business Office—specifically, the Cashier Department—since August 31, 2009. "Having an office in the Scharbauer Student Center means that I have more contact with students than Justin does, which is something I really enjoy," says Denise. "Justin is the creative one in the family, but I am definitely more analytical and logical." Justin agrees, "It's a good thing the College lets Denise handle the money, instead of me!"

"We are so fortunate to have moved to Midland," says Justin. "Denise and I love our jobs, and we have found Midland to be a great place to raise a family." Their family consists of three children—two boys and a girl. Jesse, the oldest son is 8 and in the second grade; Hannah is 6 and in the first grade; and Jacob is 4 and attends the Helen L. Greathouse Children's Center at Midland College. "That's another reason we love Midland," says Denise. "The Children's Center is so accommodating for Jacob."

Jacob has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, which is the most common among the 200+ different dwarf forms. Achondroplastic dwarfs have short stature, with an average adult height of approximately 4 feet. The prevalence is approximately 1 in 25,000. "He's the only little person in the Children's Center," explains Denise. "In fact, when he was born, he was the only little person we knew! Now, we have a network of people that we have met who have children with the same physical condition. The Children's Center has accommodations that allow Jacob to be himself—be little and be independent."

Being a little person doesn't slow Jacob down one bit. Rita Stotts, Director of the Helen L. Greathouse Children's Center, says, "Jacob is a delightful child. He does not let his size stand in the way of taking charge of any situation. He is always 'on the go,' full of energy, very intelligent, loves computers and lets nothing get in his way of success!"

"Jacob is also the true Texan in the family," says Justin. "The rest of us are transplanted from Montana, but Jacob is proud of the fact that he was born in Texas!" Jesse and Hannah have made a home for themselves in Texas, as well. They enjoy attending school at Sam Houston Elementary, and they are both active in Upward athletics. Jesse plays basketball, and Hannah is a cheerleader.

All three children are involved in the S.H.A.R.E. (Sharing Hands, a Respite Experience) program, administered by First Christian Church in Midland. The program is designed for families with special needs children to support efforts to establish and maintain strong and successful relationships. "The S.H.A.R.E. program has really made us a stronger family," explains Denise. "It doesn't just focus on the child with the special needs—it provides activities for everyone. Our favorite thing is the Friday evening activities. From 6:00-10:00 p.m. on one Friday every month, the program provides activities just for the children, and our children LOVE it. They look forward to it each month. Justin and I do, too. It's 'date night' for the two of us!"

The couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary this past summer. "This will be a happy Valentine's Day," says Denise. "We won't do anything special—we'll spend a quiet evening at home with the kids. But we'll both come home from great jobs and be in a city we love."