While some people may be satisfied with a degree or two, Windy Rachal, associate English professor, is not yet ready to settle down.
Rachal teaches mainly upper-level technical writing. She is also a counselor here at Nicholls, and she is currently working on her fourth degree in counseling.
“I first received my bachelor’s in English at Nicholls, then after that I moved to the University of North Texas where I got a master’s in technical writing, and finally I ended up at Ball Sate in Indiana where I earned a master’s in rhetoric and composition,” Rachal said.
Rachal said that it was not easy moving around so often, but on the other hand, she said it was fun because of the lasting friendships that spawned from each move.
It was not until she was working as a web-master at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati that Rachal realized that teaching might be a possibility for her.
“I never thought that I would be a professor before working in Cincinnati,” she said. “As an undergraduate, I was idealistic. I wanted to be a writer.”
Although she is not pursuing her original dream of becoming a writer, moving back to Louisiana with her husband to become a teacher was a choice that Rachal does not regret.
In addition to working with the English department, Rachal is also part of the counseling program at Nicholls. She is currently working on receiving a degree in counseling so she will have the opportunity to work with autistic children.
“My goal is to be able to work a few hours a week with kids who are on the autism spectrum,” she said.
Rachal’s husband, Chris Rachal, has a Ph.D. in psychology and operates a private practice. She also noted that many of her friends are involved in psychology.
“It is something that is fulfilling to do on the side,” she said.
With all the work that requires her attention and two kids to take care of along with her husband, Rachal somehow manages to find time to pursue something a bit different compared to the degrees she has already earned a black belt in Shotokan karate.
After signing up her son for karate class, Rachal decided it would be fun to join also. When her son discontinued his lessons, she made the decision to keep taking them.
“It’s a very good way to network,” she said. “A lot of lawyers, doctors and professors all do it.”
According to Rachal, there is a 50 percent pass rate when it comes to pass the black belt test. She tested one year ago but did not succeed.
Rachal has been out of training since then, but she plans on starting again this semester in hopes of achieving her goal this time around.
Another interest Rachal has is spending time in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans.
“Honestly though, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my kids,” she said.
Whether it is teaching, being involved in martial arts or spending quality time with her family, it can be said that Windy Rachal has a fulfilling, yet busy life.
