Thanks to her strong support system, Brandy Blanchard Fisher, 45, has become the teacher she believes she was destined to become.

In 2004, she graduated from McNeese State University with her Bachelor’s in Education. She furthered her education in 2009 by earning her Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Secondary English education.

She is currently in her 17th year as a teacher. Her first teaching assignment was at Oakdale Middle. There she was under the supervision of her “most paramount inspirations,” Linda Thompson.  After her time there, she taught at various schools in the area: F. K. White Middle, DeRidder High School and South Beauregard High School.

She now teaches eighth grade at Lake Charles Charter Academy, where she has been for four years.

Her initial inspiration came from her childhood educators, said Fisher. “My first grade teacher, Mrs. Courtney Storer planted the seed of passion through her dedication and compassion, Mrs. Pam Quebodeaux because of her sights on the future and her visions of my capabilities and Mrs. Thornton at South Beau for her adoration for literature were the stand-out women who till this day, I thank for my choice.”

As a third grade student, she would take home leftover assignments to play school at home. “When I’d take home extra ‘dittos’ the teacher had left over from class, I knew it’s what my heart wanted to be,” she said. “After forcing my sister, Lacy, to sit and do her assignments during ‘play school’ and later becoming enthralled by teachers that touched my soul, I without a doubt believed that’s what my destiny was.”

Fisher also received encouragement from her grandfather, brother and sons. She explained that her grandfather, “PawPaw Jake,” heavily encouraged her pursuit to receive a college education. “He saw greatness within me and pushed me to be the first college graduate of the family,” she said.

She was also inspired by her desire to be a good example for her sons. “My sons needed a mother who could be there and support their lives, while also showing them a woman can be a full-time professional as well as a nurturing parent.”

Despite this support, Fisher did not initially enroll in McNeese’s School of Education. “I went through multiple major changes until I finally threw my hands up and said…‘Okay, I’ll do it!’” she said.

When she chose education as her collegiate path, her brother was quick to support her. However, she stated that he asked one thing of her. “My brother made me promise one thing. ‘Make it fun. If more teachers would have made learning fun, I may not have struggled so much.’”

She has carried her brother’s advice with her throughout her career. This has influenced her educator’s philosophy: “Leave a legacy of strength, laughter and determination, because with all of those, anything is possible,” she said. “What we foster in our schools, builds our future in our cities.”

Fisher’s joy comes from making an impact in her student’s lives. “Whether it be in the classroom knocking out the latest LEAP writing assignment or watching them score at their middle school game, being a part of their lives has been my reward.”

They impact her as well. “In the classroom, they’re humbling,” she said. “They remind me of how times have changed, and they also help to motivate me to be better than the day before.”

Fisher believes educators should ensure they are passionate and committed to teaching youth. “If you don’t feel it in every bit of your being , the love and drive to be the students’ teacher, mentor, parent away from home… this is not the profession for you,” she said. “The children, the students, our future depends on you. You must be strong and unfaltering.”