Meet Andrea Paterala
For the rest of the school year, we'll feature an occasional series in the Neighbor section introducing readers to the men and women who sit in the corner offices of schools across DuPage County.
Beyond learning why they entered education, you'll find personal details, such as whether they head to the North or South Side for a baseball game. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we have.
Andrea Paterala, principal, Benjamin Middle School, West Chicago, Benjamin Elementary District 25
Age: 42
Family: Two beautiful twin boys, age 5.
Grew up in: Addison
Your ultimate pet: A Samoyed, or any other dog that cleans up after and walks himself!
What's your education philosophy in one sentence? Every child can learn! We, as educators, need to unlock the passion that all children inherently have that makes them curious and, therefore, want to learn. If we can help a child foster the love for learning, they will be able to be productive in this quickly-changing world! (Sorry, couldn't do it in one sentence!)
Personal hero? My mother -- she always encouraged her children to be happy, whatever that takes! And she supported all of us as we found our unique talents and made our way in the world. She taught me to be happy with what has been given to me, but to always strive for more to keep life challenging and interesting!
How did you wind up in education? I never had a doubt in my mind that I did not want to be in education. It goes back to a fantastic kindergarten teacher that I had. I knew that if I could inspire a single child as she did me, my life would be a success!
What is your dream vacation? So many places, so little time! A tour of the islands of Hawaii would be first on the list. The short list would include a trip to Italy, France and the Caribbean, as well.
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd ... buy a beautiful house for my children and I, purchase a new house for my parents, put aside a full college fund for both boys to discover their passion in life, and purchase property in Hawaii, where I would visit as often as I could!
Favorite reality show? "Big Brother"
Cubs or Sox? Sox.
Musical guilty pleasures? Jimmy Buffet, James Taylor, Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow -- a very varied list!
Favorite childhood book? "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble," a picture book, and "Sideways Stories from Wayside School," a chapter book.
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? Parachuting -- if I wasn't so scared of heights. I would be happy if I could get myself to parasail, but I chicken out every time!
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? That I was at least one person in each child's life that cared about them. Really cared. Not just about their academics, but about them as a whole person. It has been wonderful that several of my former students have grown up to be teachers. I'd like to think I had something to do with that!
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Media and the Internet -- young minds do not always know the best uses of this phenomenal technology and they are often too curious and na#239;ve.
If I could change one thing about the world it would be ... that children spend a larger portion of their lives being children -- they grow up too fast! Their innocence was illustrated when I presented this question to my 5-year-olds. One said, "That we could color more" and the other said, "No more bad guys."
If you could paint your office any color it would be #8230; Pink!