Michaela's Muses: Remembering a teacher through Wicked

As many people already know, the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” is out in theaters. I have seen the movie twice now.

But this movie holds a soft spot in my heart and it’s not because of the plot or the music or the costumes or even the amazing hand-built sets. No. It’s because of a wonderful woman who got me excited about journalism before I even knew that I wanted to be a reporter.

I am sure “Defying Gravity” is quite the ear worm for some people by now as it plagues social media and can be heard on a hum in the air. However, this song will never be wearisome for me because, you see, it was my old yearbook teacher’s favorite song.

Lori Sturgess will be known to many who went to Cleveland High School before 2017. She taught English, AP English and, most importantly to me, yearbook.

My part in yearbook began my freshman year when I sent Mrs. Sturgess an email begging her to let me into her Yearbook 1 class so that I might make it onto the Yearbook staff. She was impressed with my skill in the grammatical arts, or at least my knowledge to consult an editor before sending an email, and let me in the class, despite it being completely maxed out.

The next year I made it to yearbook staff and covered all manner of stories within the school. One day she pulled me aside for a little chat. She told me that I was good at talking to people and listening to their stories. Then, what she said next changed my career path forever. “You could go into journalism,” she said.

I hadn’t really thought about my career at that point but when she said it, it just made sense. I went home and watched the PBS NewsHour with Judy Woodruff and Gwen Eiffel.

As I sat there observing these women, I thought to myself about what I had in common with them. Three things came to mind: A) that they were both unequivocally female like me, B) Neither were embarrassed to be put on the spot and C) they were never afraid to ask the tough questions. I decided then and there that journalism made sense for me.

A few weeks later Mrs. Sturgess held a staff meeting to tell us something very important. About a month prior she had broken her leg and was on a scooter until further notice. But what she told us at the meeting, I was not prepared for.

“I have cancer,” she said.

She said it matter of fact without so much as a quiver in her voice. I felt the whole room hold their breath. Then she told us the worst part of it.

She had found out about the cancer because of her broken leg. She had an odd pain one day and had it screened. First, they called her and said that she didn’t have anything going on. Then, she got an email a few days later saying the hospital made a mistake and that she does have cancer. She angrily stomped her good foot then said, “But I want you all to know, I am going to fight this.”

She did fight it. She fought hard. And when she started to lose her hair from the chemo, she just threw on a bright pink wig and went about her day.

Every day she would take a minute and play “Defying Gravity”. It was our anthem for her battle.

Then, there was a day that she didn’t come into class. Then, we were informed that she passed away. It was right near the end of the school year, and we were heartbroken.

Rio Rancho lost a great woman, but I would not be here to write the tale if she hadn’t told me to pursue my dreams. So, in her memory, I listen to “Defying Gravity”.