Maurica Gordon has always loved caring for others — and between a career in healthcare and a family of six (plus a menagerie of pets), Gordon has built a life around her passion.
Gordon lived in Dublin for most of her life and attended Dublin High School, but became pregnant in 2012, her junior year, and didn’t end up graduating. Instead, she threw herself into the duties of a full-time mother.
Besides her children, Gordon also cared for other family members. When she had time, she took on jobs for home health agencies, caring for up to 15 clients a week in their homes. She enjoyed getting to build relationships with her clients.
“[I loved] getting to know each person individually, their personalities, and hearing their stories,” she said. “But overall [my favorite part] was just being there for them during difficult times. Knowing even on their bad days or even mine, we both got joy out of seeing each other.”
Recently, Gordon decided to go back to school. “I’m just wanting something more,” she said. “Instead of just going into homes, I would like to be in a clinic or a hospital environment.”
She started working on her GED, and once she earns that, she’ll complete training to be a certified nurses aide. She’s not sure exactly what specialty she’ll work in. “I don’t know if I want to do pediatric, or stick with working with the elderly and mentally disabled,” she said.
Gordon currently lives in Chickasha, Oklahoma with four of her five children, Aaliyah, 13, Jasmine, 11, Layla, 10, and Xavier, 9. Her oldest, Jessie, 16, lives in Texas with her father. The family loves pets; they have three dogs, three cats and a turtle.
Gordon’s younger children’s father passed away six years ago. Raising the children as a single mom has been difficult. “We’re all pretty tough,” she said.
Gordon’s mother, Tammy Williams, helped out for a while after Gordon’s partner passed away. Williams now lives in Texas, near Wichita Falls. Gordon’s father, Terry Cogburn, passed away several years ago.
When Gordon has free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, and spending time in nature and with animals.
Throughout her life, she’s found inspiration in her desire to create a good life for her children. “I’m always trying to achieve something better, trying to give my kids a life they deserve,” she said.
Gordon’s advice to Dublin graduates is to have confidence in themselves. “You can achieve anything you put your mind to,” she said. “Just keep pushing forward.”
Editor’s Note: This column chronicles what Dublin graduates have done since high school. If you have any suggestions for other grads, email publisher@ dublincitizen. com.