After teaching at South Forsyth High School for around eight years, Mr. Brian Fahey is known for encouraging and preparing his students to become successful, independent, and engaged citizens during and beyond high school. His favorite part of being a teacher is interacting with his students and watching them grow within his class. In fact, Mr. Fahey recalls one student from his past that continues to inspire him every day as a teacher.

“Several years ago at the old school that I used to teach at, I taught a girl named Jodessa Laurence. I taught her in her freshman, sophomore, and junior year, and she had neuroblastoma. She ended up passing away after her junior year, but she is one of the most inspirational people I have had the pleasure of interacting with. She would come back from weeks in the hospital and she would have all of her work done. She would also email me while she was in the hospital asking for additional assignments.” 

She always reminded him of why he decided to be a teacher in the first place, which was to help students become better individuals. 

“She wrote me a very sweet letter before she passed away. The letter reminded me of how important being a teacher is. If I’m having a tough time as a teacher, I always look back to her for inspiration to keep going.” 

Overall, Jodessa left a huge impact on Mr. Fahey and the way he leads his classroom. Her influence will always persist within his teaching as he carries on her memory through guiding and mentoring his students.