Justin Boleyn
- Position: U.S. history teacher
- Degrees & Alma Mater: Bachelors of science in Government Administration- Christopher Newport University, masters in arts in International Relations- University of Oklahoma
- School Activities: Coached football, track and soccer
- Years at Caney Creek: 7
- Years Teaching: 11
How would other people describe your high-school self?
If you asked my high school teachers what I would be doing 25 years later, they definitely would not say high school teacher. I would be described as an average student and a jock who bucked authority just a little bit. Not enough to get in trouble but probably enough to give a couple teachers and coaches an extra grey hair or two.
Was there a career you wanted to pursue OR pursued before teaching?
I pursued a career in law enforcement before teaching. I worked for the federal government in a law enforcement/security capacity for 11 years in Washington, D.C .
Tell us about how you got into teaching.
I began coaching high school football for a second time and really felt my calling was to teach. Coaching is teaching. I also was put in charge of creating an educational program on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives to teach congress and staff on the importance of protecting non-classified information. Teaching that subject ignited a passion in teaching full-time.
What do you do outside of school for fun? Why?
Outside of school my focus tends to be on my kids. I have stepped away from coaching but as they’re getting older I am starting to watch them pursue their desire to compete as athletes. I also like to cook, play music, and play video games every now and then.
When people get to know you, what are they most surprised to learn about you?
I think the thing that would surprise most people is my love for music. I can play guitar, piano, bass and drums. I am self-taught but have been doing it since high school.
Tell us the story about what you are most proud of yourself for.
I am most proud of my ability to overcome adverse situations. My background is like many kids in this school; broke home, economically disadvantaged, etc. I am proud of the fact that I was able to pull myself out of situations through determination, grit, and being an example that our kids can do the same. Every person has their own situation that makes life tough but it can be overcome. Every day is a new day, I want kids to understand that just because a situation looks bleak today, doesn’t mean the situation will be the same tomorrow.
Who is someone you are thankful for and why?
I am thankful for my grandparents. They have both passed away, but they took me in during my teenage years and really gave me the love and support I needed, that I wasn’t getting from my parents. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to work harder and be more intentional with academics. I coasted and did just enough to get by in high school. I didn’t realize my potential until I was in college, I don’t know that I would necessarily change anything about the decision I have made in life but working harder is never a bad thing.
What do you hope to be remembered for?
I hope that when I am gone that I am remembered as someone who was hardworking, caring, and fair. I hope I will be remembered as fighting the good fights, finishing the race, and that I kept the faith.
What’s on your bucket list? What aspirations do you have for the future?
I think it’s important in life to have things to look forward to. Looking forward gives purpose as you are working toward something. Right now, I am focusing on getting out of classroom and into administration.
Favorites
- Food: Chinese Food
- Restaurant: Cheesecake Factory
- Music: Guitar music without lyrics, about dogs, trucks, and rivers
- TV Show: “Yellowstone”, “The Sopranos”
- Movie: “Goodfellas”
- Book: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice: My Own Story” by Brian Wilson
- Teacher: In high school it was Dave Smith, Government. In college it was Gary Greene, Juvenile Justice.
