Educator

very meaningful, about getting through hard times, being your best even when you didn’t feel like being your best.”

Her most significant role model, however, is her mother, Florence Berquist of Hinckley.

“After the death of my dad, she raised four kids while working full time and going back to school herself. She’s the most amazing woman I know. Her incredible strength in difficult times has shown me that nothing is impossible.

“I talk to her every day on my commute to work.”

One of Brenda’s favorite stress relievers is running. She has completed Grandma’s Marathon or the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon almost every year since 1997.

“I do it 20 percent for the health benefits and 80 percent for the mental health benefits,” she said.

Of course, family vacations are a highlight.

“Our family loves to boat and fish. We go to Canada every year, where we can be away from email and cellphones and just laugh and enjoy our time together.”

When Brenda is asked to name one thing she wishes that everyone understood about the role of K-12 teachers, she doesn’t hesitate.

“You’ve got 20 to 30 children in a classroom who all have different backgrounds, needs and goals, and you’re responsible for making sure they achieve. That’s far more challenging than most people realize. And far more rewarding than most people can imagine.It’s a truly awesome responsibility.

“I can’t imagine being involved in any other profession.” D

Bob Ashenmacher is the executive director of marketing, communications and media for the College of St. Scholastica. He wrote this for The Woman Today.

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