Central Queensland University Rockhampton staff member Katrina Lapthorn’s life has become busier than expected this year.

Katrina and her husband brought a new baby girl, Phoebe, into the world just a couple of months ago and she also graduated with her Bachelor of Business (Accounting) last weekend. Her husband also graduated with the same degree this time last year.

Katrina said she thought she was busy before the birth of her baby, but life has just picked up the pace.

“I was studying externally while working full-time as Finance Officer at CQU; socially during this time I played and coached in various soccer teams, and I also managed in my last year of study (2004) to train a young local girl for the Deaf Olympics Open Women’s Soccer Team.”.

“And then of course falling pregnant at the end of last year and trying to complete my degree over spring/summer 2004/5, it was busy. I thought things would slow down when I went on maternity leave. How I was wrong.”.

Phoebe was born on June 14, 6 weeks premature.

“I was still at work, however Phoebe was not willing to wait for me to begin maternity leave, and of course it came as a shock to everyone when my sister called in to work as to why I wouldn't be in.”.

Katrina said she began her degree to assist her further her career within the University.

Photo: Katrina Lapthorn with her new baby daughter Phoebe.