[Life]
Ms. G’s Story Many of us have similar stories to tell about a teacher who had a huge impact on our lives. It’s worth telling again! e story begins and ends at Houston Heights High School (formerly Houston Heights Charter) where a terrified Stacey Gordon (Ms. G) was on her way to teach high school English at the tender age of 44. She had thought long and hard about a way to fulfill her lifelong dream of helping underprivileged kids. Originally, it was Child Protective Services (CPS) that wanted her, but not yet having a master’s degree was a drawback. With no prior teaching experience, it would be an uphill climb just to find a job, much less one that would fulfill her dreams and wishes. She was helped and counseled in her initial job search by friends she made while working her way through school at University of 26 intown
Houston Downtown (UHD). At 10 Downing Street, a venerable cigar bar off Kirby where she worked and a popular spot for many local business people and politicians. With her likeable personality, it was only a short time before she made many dear/loving friends. One whom she met was none other than State Senator John Whitmire who wrote for her a tremendous letter of recommendation that would make any future employer take a second look. With resume in tow, her first and only interview with Principal Joe Zapata quickly moved the discussion to their favorite team, the Houston Astros. It was 10 years ago that Houston Heights was looking for a certain kind of teacher who could relate to their kids by taking on the challenge of teaching senior English. Ms. G became that and more. A friend and confidant to many students, she became an important part to hundreds as
by Minnie Payne
evidenced by the outpouring number of visitors who came to see her and prayed that she would get well so that she could return this fall. e stories were many, but three stood out. Paul, a so spoken handsome kid who spoke with tears running down his cheeks as he held Ms. G’s hand and told about how she