Liberal Studies Majors Publish First Books
Bronagh McGahan (left) and Alyanna Quisado (right) with their books.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the lessons that Bronagh McGahan and Alyanna Quisado evoke in their children’s books are priceless. As part of their Scholarly Activity, these Smittcamp Scholars chose to write picture books that foster connections both within and beyond the classroom, cultivating dynamic environments for growth.
In this interview, Bronagh and Alyanna share the experiences that inspire them to make their mark on the education system.
The Fairy Stepmother by Bronagh McGahan and The Cherry Tomato I Know and Love by Alyanna Quisado are available for purchase on Amazon.
What is your name, class standing, and major/minor?
BM: My name is Bronagh McGahan. I am a junior majoring in Liberal Studies. This fall, I am starting the Multiple Subject Credential Program here at Fresno State.
AQ: My name is Alyanna Quisado. I’m from the 2020 entering cohort and graduated in May 2024 with both my B.A. Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, when did that change and why? If you did, share what made you want to go into teaching.
BM: I have wanted to become a teacher since I was in the second grade. I was initially inspired by my mom, who was a second grade teacher at the time. Throughout my time in K-12 education, I had many amazing teachers who furthered my interest in the field of education. One teacher in particular, my freshman year biology teacher in high school, Mr. Warkentin was a great example to me of the type of teacher and role model that I want to be for my future students.
Tell us a little bit about your experience with teachers and the classroom while growing up. What did you like? What did you not like? What did you want to change?
AQ: I’ve had my fair share of terrible educators in my life, and I feel like that’s what made me want to be a teacher because each time I learn more about what I don’t want to become. I don’t want to be the teacher that only puts in the bare minimum. My students do not deserve that. I believe that the true role of a teacher involves instilling confidence in each of my students and preparing them to be lifelong learners. I love that I get to shape and connect with so many little lives in my career.
Who was one of your favorite teachers and how did they influence you?
BM: I think that Mr. Warkentin was one of my favorite teachers because he helped me enjoy learning about science. Before taking his class, I never really had much of an interest in science, but the way that he taught his class made learning about biology fun. Because of Mr. Warkentin, I briefly considered majoring in Biology to become a high school biology teacher.
What inspired the concept of your book?
BM: The concept of my book was inspired by a personal experience that I think most young people go through. I think it's very common for kids and teenagers to have a clouded perception of the people in their lives that care about them, especially their parents. I wanted to create a book about a character coming to the realization that her parents were there to help her all along. I know that a lot of young people struggle with mental health as well, so I wanted to include some characteristics in my main character to portray a young girl dealing with this and show how her family was eventually able to help her overcome it.
AQ: My initial inspiration for this project sparked in my LS110WS Writing in the K-8 Classroom course in Fall 2021. This was the first time I was introduced to all of the inequalities, structural racism, and flaws of our very own educational system. I remember being completely shocked that I was barely learning about these because everything was hidden right under our noses. Social justice issues were rarely addressed in my personal academics. Therefore, when I entered this course it enlightened me so much that I knew I wanted to make a difference.
Tell us a little bit about the process of writing your book. What was your favorite part of the book creation process? What were some challenges you faced during the process?
AQ: Even though I consider myself a pretty creative person, I still found a big learning curve when it came to writing and publishing this book. I had to do a lot of research about the world of children’s books before even starting. My favorite part of it all though was meeting all of these different people during the journey! I interviewed multiple local authors, talked to bookshop owners, read my book to a bunch of different children and teachers, and got lots of help from our Fresno State TRC librarian. It was so fun hearing everyone’s different perspectives and they truly made me love the process and the final results.
Who do you dedicate your book to and why?
BM: I dedicated my book to my first-ever student, who I was a one-on-one aide for for almost a year. I learned a lot about myself and the impact that I can have on future students from this student. Working with him made me realize that my students can also have a lasting impact on me, and I will always be grateful for the experience that I had with this student and the lessons that he taught me. I began working with this student around the same time that I began writing my book, so I felt like it was fitting to dedicate my book to him.
AQ: I dedicate my book to my family, Alex, Jenie, and Alessandra, for pushing me towards success and for always supporting me despite me not choosing the nursing route (haha just kidding... obviously). I also dedicate it to my little cousin, Avie Violet, who I based the main character of the book off of because I can’t wait for her to grow into her best version of herself. Last but not least, I always thank my boyfriend, Raymond, for keeping me grounded and for keeping my cortisol levels low (much needed).
What is your favorite thing about being at Fresno State and the SFHC?
BM: My favorite thing about being at Fresno State is the community on this campus. I love that so many of the students here are from the Valley and want to give back to their community after graduation. It's really amazing that our current students are the future doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, etc. of the Central Valley. My favorite thing about being in Smittcamp is the connections that I have made with other Smittcamp students. I've been able to reach out to other students with similar career goals for support and advice. I have also made lifelong friendships through Smittcamp, which I will always be very grateful for.
What advice would you give to other students who aspire to teach and/or potentially write a children’s book?
AQ: I’d say that it’s most important to think about what’s something you’re passionate about sharing or teaching to children. Once you find this, take it and roll with it! Share your ideas/progress to everyone and anyone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in the book community – everyone is super friendly and they automatically love you if they hear you’re an aspiring author!