Social sciences teacher Marcy Aguilar ’92 remembers what it felt like when she visited St. Agnes Academy during the interview process and taught an economics class.
"I looked out at those kids and I remembered exactly where I sat in that classroom. And I remembered what it felt like to be sitting there, listening to my teacher," Marcy said. "I suddenly realized that I was home. Now, a few years later, I think I’ve finally found the professional family I was looking for."
Marcy has been teaching economics, U.S. history and government classes at St. Agnes since the fall of 2005. She never considered that her teaching career would bring her back to her alma mater. In fact, while studying political science at Texas A&M University, Marcy was heavily considering law school.
"My St. Agnes teachers like Mr. (Rodney) Miles, Mr. (Arthur) Buckley and Ms. (Kris) Taylor really inspired me to be passionate about teaching," Marcy said. "I knew I wanted to study political science, but I wasn’t absolutely certain what I wanted to do with it."
After college, she completed a teaching certification program and was admitted into an inner-city Houston teaching program at Gregory Lincoln Middle School where she taught seventh grade Texas history. "It was an eye-opening experience," she admitted. "A dead body was found in the parking lot once. A lot of the students slept on the floor at home. I learned a lot and saw a lot of bad things. I realized that there are more schools like this one than not."
Marcy also taught Advanced Placement government and geography for eight years at James E. Taylor High School in Katy, where she also served as the Model United Nations, social studies University Interscholastic League and Close-Up sponsor. A need to make a personal change motivated her to put out her resume and look toward her alma mater.
"I really had to think about it, but when I arrived I knew I was making a better decision for myself personally and professionally," she said.
At St. Agnes, Marcy is the co-sponsor for the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) competition and serves as the sponsor for Key Club and the St. Thomas High School Spirit Club. She chaperoned students on the Close-Up trip to Washington, D.C. this year.
She also remains passionate about social justice and the need to volunteer, values that her St. Agnes education and her family instilled in her for a lifetime. Marcy is a committed Junior League of Houston member and volunteers regularly with Camp Rainbow. Additionally, she has volunteered for Camp Hope and Texas Children’s Hospital. While a St. Agnes student, Marcy started the on-campus Recycling Club with the help of her family, including younger sister Emily Aguilar ’93.
"I prepared all of the yellow recycling containers with the word 'CANS’ on them and put them in the hallways. They were here for years. I wonder what happened to them?" she said.
Next school year, Marcy becomes the new social sciences department chairperson and hopes to one day obtain a master’s degree. Through it all, she remains devoted to her students and puts their education first.
"In the beginning, I told my students that I expected nothing less from them than what was expected of me when I was at the Academy," she said. "That still holds true. I totally understand the pressures of being a high school student and what it means to attend St. Agnes, but I also know that after graduating and going on to college, the girls will be thankful for how we prepared them."
