Donnisha Gordon
Fervently creating future stars
“IT IS my passion to see my students step out of their comfort zones and achieve what they thought they never could. Watching them celebrate, take over the red carpet and set trends from the ‘ghetto’ is one of the best things in my entire life,” Donnisha Gordon fervently expressed.
The Mico University College graduate teaches mathematics at the Jonathan Grant High School in Spanish Town. She has always had an appreciation for the profession and entered the teaching realm officially in 2015. Her vision is to create as many future stars as possible.
“I want to impact others in the same way I was impacted. By being a representation of ‘nothing to something’ and ‘anything is possible for anyone’. I believe I can achieve this. Now, I get to make students feel like kings and queens in their own skin,” she explained to Flair.
The talented, self-driven church girl a sports a bold yet humble and admirable character. Getting on the road of success was not the easiest undertaking for the 24-year-old. Still in high school, she managed to cop the 2011 Top CSEC Student title at Clarendon College and Top Scholar Award for the PATH National Awards in the same year. By the time she embarked on her tertiary training, she found herself swimming in a turbulent sea. But that could not have stopped her. In the end she came ashore as the most outstanding female in her batch. SERVING The former Rookie Teacher of the Year 2015-2016 for the Jonathan Grant High School identifies as a go-giver. She regards empowering others as a major priority. Her influence, however, extends beyond the walls of the classroom. Burbanz to Servants is a voluntary movement she established in her hometown, Palmetto Pen, a former crime-plagued area in Clarendon. It’s intended to enhance youth development across the parish and caters to members of all ages who are committed to taking care of the community, assisting children using education, environmental clean-up, and seeking opportunities for unemployed persons to develop skills through the HEART Trust/NTA.
“I’m inspired by so many things, but my family tops the list. My community members also embrace me as a beacon of light, and this encourages me to forever shine. And my overly supportive friends and Principal, Dr Ankle, who is a stalwart in education and a great mentor, continue to uplift me,” she told Flair. Gordon has acclaimed national recognition for her adroitness in the classroom. She basks in her acknowledgement as a representation of change and inspiration in the education system. Much to her delight, another high point throughout her existence is being crowned Miss Clarendon Festival Queen 2018 second runner-up, and ultimately becoming a cultural ambassador for the parish.
With a seemingly shy demeanour, which continues to astonish others, Gordon adores satisfying her personal pleasures. Sewing, exploring the world of designs, window shopping, writing poems, and bonding with family friends all sum up the peculiar fulfilments she looks forward to occasionally.
And notwithstanding her accomplishments, Gordon yearns for more. Her aim is to pursue a master’s in actuarial science. Her intention is to become more equipped with adept knowledge, to be better able to serve in her field.
“My journey as a professional has been exciting, tiring, fulfilling, but rewarding. Credit for this goes to every person who inspired me and every person whom I’ve had the opportunity to inspire,” she said.
‘I want to impact others in the same way I was impacted. By being a representation of ‘nothing to something’ and ‘anything is possible for anyone’ I believe I can achieve this.’