Cornell Classics graduate students Hana Aghababian and Sarah Epplin both welcomed babies recently: Lily, born in late December, and Simon, born in early February.
Hana and Sarah both completed their master’s degrees at the University of Georgia before entering the Classics PhD program in 2019. They have supported each other over the past five years, and they continue to support each other as they embark upon this new journey of motherhood together.
Reflecting on this time in their lives, Sarah says, “It's been wonderful to share advice and resources with one another, and to have someone to talk with about both the joys and the challenges of starting a family while in graduate school. And, of course, I look forward to setting up playdates for Simon and Lily soon!” Hana adds, “There have been countless challenges to being pregnant and raising a newborn as a PhD student, especially with the poor choices Cornell offers us for parental leave and with academic pressures constantly mounting, but it has been so comforting to know that I'm not alone in my struggles.”
They thank the wider departmental community for their care and support. Sarah says, “So many of my fellow grad students have given baby gifts, offered their help, and checked on me after Simon was born, and both my committee and the department administration have been incredibly kind and supportive.” Hana mentions that “Lily's favorite toy by far is this adorable handknit rattle that Claire got for her. She smiles and coos (moos?) at it constantly.”
Lily and Simon are also beginning to show their personalities. “[Lily] likes to listen to Japanese nursery songs and she falls asleep to the thunderstorm sound effect that we play on loop. Bath time, tummy time, and diaper changes are her favorite activities,” says Hana. “Recently Simon has been trying really hard to focus on things,” Sarah adds. “He likes to stare at peoples' faces and at books that have bright, colorful illustrations. I love watching the face he makes when he's trying to focus. His eyes will go crossed for a second and he purses up his mouth in a little "oh" like he's surprised. I guess everything actually is a surprise to a baby that's experiencing the world for the first time! I hope he'll keep that curiosity as he gets older.”
Hana and Sarah look forward to introducing Lily and Simon to Cornell’s campus – especially the Cornell Dairy Bar, says Hana – and Ithaca’s stunning parks and landscapes as the weather turns warmer. Oh, the places they’ll go!
Congratulations, Hana and Sarah, and thank you for taking precious time to share your reflections with us. We look forward to meeting Lily and Simon soon and watching them as they grow and explore over the many years to come!
