Know Your Neighbors
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Ron Boardman, 29, of Sterling, is a special education teacher at Challand Middle School, Sterling. He is the son of Al and Rita Boardman of Hillsdale. He has a brother, Adam Boardman, 40, of Cordova, and two sisters, Brenda Boardman, 33, of Austin, Texas, and Abby Boardman, 18, attending Olivet Nazarene University at Bourbonnais.
On-the-job lesson: You learn something new every day.
Alma mater: I graduated in 1998 from Erie High School, and in 2002 from Trinity International University, Deerfield, with a bachelor of arts in history/secondary education with a minor in psychology. I am pursuing a master’s degree in special education from Western Illinois University.
Philosophy: In college, my history professor taught me success breeds success; conquer your fears before they conquer you; and we learn as we reflect on our mistakes.
Oughta be a law: Don’t text while driving.
Hearts: I like to read, cook and swim at the YMCA. My favorite shows are "Monk," "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "The Office." I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Darts: Although I love to cook, I hate washing the dishes. My blood boils when people are disrespectful, dishonest or manipulative.
Haunts: I like hanging out at bookstores, especially Borders because I like to read before I buy.
Hero: I really admire the financial advice offered by Dave Ramsey. I recently completed his Financial Peace University course at my parents' church, and I appreciate his “baby steps” to financial freedom.
First job: I started detasseling when I was 14. Despite the hot weather, the muddy fields and the risk of corn cuts/rash, I enjoyed hanging out with my friends while earning a few bucks.
First car: My first car was a 1982 Chevrolet Impala named the "Deer Slayer." Despite the fact that the car hit three deer and was involved in a few accidents, it was virtually indestructible. I was 16 when I took ownership.
Read this: During the last school year, my team taught literature class, and we read the book "Tuck Everlasting," a fantasy about a family who drinks from a magical spring and gains eternal life. I found the book to be interesting because of the many questions that our class developed and answered throughout the novel.
People say I look like: I have been told that because of my eyes, I resemble Rodney Dangerfield. Others have told me that I look like Tom Green.
Phobias: I fear snakes. Dirty utensils in public restaurants make my skin crawl.
Guilty pleasure: Sleeping on rainy days.
I’d like to meet: Actor Tony Shalhoub.
In the dictionary next to: Detail-oriented. I like to have things organized.
Trading places: I would trade places with an elephant trainer. I like elephants, and think it would be fun to see them up close.
Trading spaces: If I could go anywhere in the world, I would visit Greece, Italy and the palace of Versailles in France. I was a history major in college, and I would love to see the ruins of the Greek and Roman world.
Best thing about Sterling: The Candlelight Inn. My family loves their Chicken George!
Shout out to: The students and teachers of the third core of the sixth grade at Challand. You make my job fun.
