Chelsie Brignac
B.S. General Family and Consumer Sciences/Birth to Five/Early Intervention, 2006
Chelsie Brignac knew that college graduation would bring with it huge challenges. The first arrived only two weeks after she received her diploma. Brignac was hired to lead a brand new Pre-K classroom at Bayou Woods Elementary in Slidell, a school with more than 1,000 students.
“At first, I felt like a lost puppy in a sea of school children,” Brignac says, “but I have developed a love for teaching and for children who may not have the same opportunities that I had growing up.”
Brignac is thankful for the hands-on experience that was required for her degree at Nicholls. She spent two semesters getting actual classroom experience and worked with young children through the Generations Teaching Generations program.
“These real-life situations gave me insight into the world of early childhood education and an in-depth look at what to expect in my future as an educator,” Brignac says. “I student taught at an elementary school close to Nicholls and worked with children who changed my outlook on life. The children, no matter their disabilities, were so thrilled with being at school and learning new things.”
Aside from her student teaching experiences, Brignac’s other most memorable moment at Nicholls was meeting her boyfriend, and future husband, as a freshman. Brignac says she also enjoyed the family atmosphere of the family and consumer sciences department.
“In and out of the classroom, I felt like I had a home away from home,” Brignac says. “The FACS family kept me involved throughout my college career and offered me an unforgettable college experience. Remember, college is the best time of your life, not only to party, but also to plan for your future as an exceptional and influential part of our ever-growing society.”