The Hyacinth Gordon-Clarke story – Part 2

In solitude, Hyacinth Gordon-Clarke said she spent most of her days crying and wishing that her dream to one day be re-enrolled in high school would come true.

But each time she tried to find a solution, the possibility seemed unlikely.

“I did all I could to go back, even writing to the member of parliament to assist me with my books. The late Dr Neville Gallimore was moved by my letter and purchased my textbooks. Still, my other needs were unmet. I, therefore, had to resort to staying home, depressed.”

Out of desperation, Gordon-Clarke said she called her primary school teacher and sought her assistance in finding a job.

“She had a discussion with me and decided to send me back to a private school – the Shiloh Apostolic High in Alva, St Ann. My teacher provided me with the school fee, uniform, and bus fare but asked that my parents assist with lunch money. Opportunity knocked, and I grasped it. I was overjoyed to be back in school.”

Years later, though not part of her plan, Gordon-Clarke became pregnant with her first daughter.

Things, as might be expected, became a little more difficult, but the educator said her goal was to become someone of influence.

“All the delays could not deter me from achieving my ambition. I was successful in my examinations and became a pre-trained teacher. I taught for two years and managed to save a little money to pay for my entrance into the Moneague Teachers’ College in St Ann.”

Stricken by poverty, without a baby sitter and the involvement of the child’s father and very few resources to start college, Gordon-Clarke relied on the faith she had left that things would work out for her.

“I ended up getting an enormous suitcase from a man who travelled on the farm worker’s programme to the United States of America, and my few pieces of clothing were lost in that grip. The picture of my unique green and silver suitcase is etched in my mind perpetually. It was so different from everybody else’s. The day when I went to college, the seniors gathered all around the new students whom they called ‘grubbites’.

Gordon-Clarke said the experience, though fun for others, was most humiliating for her.

“One of the seniors shouted, ‘Everybody sell cow fi come a college. Dis one sell elephant. Koo da grip ya!’ I had already told myself that I was laughed at enough in high school and I would not be accepting any other form of bullying or ridicule at this stage of my life.”

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS

Not only did Gordon-Clarke battle with financial constraints, but she struggled with living away from her baby even as she tried to make a better life for her.

“There was nobody to send me a pocket money. My stomach could not take the college food, but I had to bless it and eat it. I never had a tuck box, neither could I substitute something from the tuck shop for the canteen food. I could not afford it. The truth is, my parents’ poor hearts were willing, but they had no source of making money. I was on my own. The first-year tuition was paid, but I was unable to purchase the necessary textbooks or other important things”

Even as Gordon-Clarke struggled with medical issues and medication for which she could not afford to buy, she pressed on.

“However, I was optimistic, kept a positive mind, and avoided negative people and things. I strived to keep an open mind and reflected on things that would help me to improve my life. I studied smart and hard, took the opportunity seriously, knew my purpose, and worked hard at realising my dream.”

Fast-forward years later. Gordon-Clarke managed to acquire a certificate in primary education from Moneague Teachers’ College, a diploma in drama education from the Edna Manley College, a bachelor of science degree from Temple University, and a diploma in school leadership and management from Mount St Vincent University.

She spent 40 years in the education sector and gave a significant part of those years as principal to her alma mater, Watt Town All-Age (now primary).

With several awards and accolades from academic, cultural, and religious bodies under her belt, Gordon-Clarke is also a proud author.

“My book – Inspirational Spiritual Food for a Healthy Successful Life – focuses on many areas of life, including education, my biography, morals, and provides spiritual insights into everyday living. It seeks to bring comfort to those in the grip of despair and hopelessness.”

Among the many other things she hopes to accomplish, the powerhouse has plans to complete a musical gospel album in collaboration with her daughters Trevelle Clake-Whyne and Felecia Broderick-Knight for evangelism through music, nationally and internationally.

familyandreligion@gleanerjm.com