OC graduate making the most of education
May 12—One of Odessa College's more nontraditional students to walk the stage during Friday's commencement ceremony is Lionel Baiza.
At 50, Baiza decided to go back to school for his associate degree in automation. It took six years, but he'll be graduating at 6 p.m. with a bachelor of applied arts and science in automation at 6 p.m. May 12 at the Ector County Coliseum. There will be another ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, also at the Coliseum.
Baiza will be the first in his family to graduate from college, but not the last. His son, Drey, will graduate from OCECHS next year with an associate degree and continue on at OC to earn his bachelor's degree, as well. Drey plans to become a diesel mechanic.
Baiza and his wife, Nelda, also have Darien, 29, and 13-year-old Daylen.
Drey said he is excited about his dad's graduation.
"... I'm proud of him. He's been working ... for six years," Drey said.
Baiza said he is thrilled about graduating partly because he couldn't walk the stage when he got his associate degree due to COVID.
"... Odessa College has been just amazing; a wonderful program here. Everyone has helped me. Every department has helped me get through. ... They have everything here that you need — tutoring, counseling, all the tools that you need here at OC to help you get through and be successful," Baiza said.
Baiza, who will turn 56 in June, has worked in oilfield-related jobs his entire adult life. He worked dangerous jobs because he could make more money to provide for his family. Eventually, he was promoted, which meant that he didn't have to be 24-hour call anymore and he had weekends off, allowing him to pursue his educational dreams.
When he came in the door to OC, Baiza didn't know what to do, but everyone was helpful and walked him through the process.
Lionel Baiza took night classes and would stay in the library until 10 or 11 p.m. working on his assignments. He didn't have internet access at home. When he was finished with his class work, Baiza would stay and help his classmates. His goal is to become a teacher and coach after retiring from the oilfield so he needed a bachelor's degree.
"... I've coached Little League games, football, Pop Warner ... I love working with the younger generation in sports; showing them respect before anything. You show them respect before you even throw a ball and teach them how to take care of each other. ... That was something I learned from my coaches back in the day. That was the first thing we discussed. That's what motivated me to continue and now be seeking my teacher's certification so that I can be prepared a few years down the road" which is to coach, Baiza said.
"The BAAS came at the right time for me," he added.
Baiza said his computer skills have skyrocketed in college and there are always opportunities to move up. He noted that he has trained other people with bachelor's degrees to become his bosses.
"... I'm a guy that (loves) to teach and show. I love to show people how to do things that I know, so that was never a problem," Baiza said. "I love teaching these kids, these younger generations so they can succeed."
Originally from McCamey, Baiza moved to Odessa 16 years ago. He's been working since he was 8 years old and got a hardship license to drive at 14. His father taught him to hunt, trap, do plumbing, fix cars, among other things, but also to help others whenever possible.
"Even when we're on the road, I'm teaching him (Drey) about the equipment that (we pass). We change alternators at Auto Zone. We change belts," Baiza said. "He knows how to do brakes, alternators. They know how to do everything; if they get stranded; what to do; what to look for. I teach them hunting skills and defense skills and how to get out of a house" if it's on fire, Baiza said.
He added that he teachers his children everything.
"I always try to live like this is my last day. I like to be happy. I like to smile. I like to help people ... That's how I live. I don't want to waste time. I don't even really want to sleep. I don't sleep much; maybe three hours a night. I'm always thinking. I don't like wasting time. I like learning things ...," Baiza said.
