Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Our people: Teacher, actor, helper

Stephen M. Hardin has lived in Portales for over 36 years now. But life did not begin for Hardin in the quaint, New Mexican college town which he has made his home. He was born in Calcutta, India and, in Hardin's own words, he was "immediately abandoned and left to die in the streets." Miraculously, Hardin was found and rescued by a group of nuns. Several months later he was adopted, along with another child, by his single mother - Janie Hardin. Still a baby, Hardin arrived in his new town on the Llano Estacado, and has made the most of his life ever since.

After attending preschool through high school in Portales, Hardin acquired his Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communications from Lubbock Christian University. Hardin then returned to Portales to earn his Master's degree in Mass Communications from Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU). During this time, he met his (now) wife, Cassie.

Life since coming here has not always been pleasant for Hardin; he has been no stranger to sorrow. As a young teenager, he lost his sister to health complications. Six years ago, Hardin's mother passed away. He has stayed close to his mother's legacy since her passing, by holding onto her memories, advice, and immersing himself in the work she did at the New Mexico Christian Children's Home (NMCCH).

Hardin also keeps busy teaching local college courses, working as a screen actor, helping his wife run her local business, and spending time with their toddler son.

Q: How did you get into your current job? What is your position? Can you tell us a little about that journey, and what you do?

A: I actually have several jobs.

I just began my 13th year as a college instructor. I teach communications courses at four different schools (ENMU, Clovis Community College, Santa Fe Community College, and Central New Mexico Community College). I never actually planned to be a teacher, but it just fell into place. And here we are 13 years, four schools and countless students later. Overall, it's been great.

Additionally, I serve as the Director of Development for NMCCH. I have a long history with NMCCH. My mom worked out here for 25 years and her mom worked out here in the 1960's. My first job was actually working on the NMCCH farm when I was 10 years old. My wife and I were houseparents for nearly a year. I was then asked to be the residential director. And now, to better utilize my degrees, I am the Director of Development, which deals with public relations, publications, development, donor relations, social media and much more. You can say I have a heritage here.

I am also a professional actor. I am signed with MitchelI & Associates Talent. I joined SAG-AFTRA (The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) about 6 years ago. You may spot me in a show, commercial or advertisement here and there.

I also help my wife with her store, Oliver's Emporium, when I have time. I mainly help with vendor events due to my schedule.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your career paths?

A: As far as teaching, I love that I am able to enable people with tools that will truly enhance their life and make a difference in their future.

At NMCCH we serve youth, single parents, young adults, and new mothers. I can't even begin to tell you the impact this ministry has had and will continue to have on so many. I work with incredible people who are here to share and show the love of Christ to all we come in contact with.

At NMCCH, we believe that the truest human purpose is to join in loving God, in loving others as He would have us love them. Believing in God's desire for people to be just, to be more merciful, walk humbly, and love one another, we strive to help people in need. In a phrase, we stand by the words Jesus spoke when he said, "go and do likewise." This is inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan.

With acting, I have an agent in Albuquerque, and audition as much as I can. I also love to be on set. It's so fun to create and make stories come alive. I really enjoy it when I get to be with my extended film family.

Q: What is one thing you absolutely love about living in Portales?

A: I like that everything is only a few minutes from each other. I love the community support. I have always felt this community really rallies around each other in good times and bad. That's pretty awesome.

Q: If there was one thing you could change or improve about Portales, what would it be?

A: I would probably want more opportunities for more people, especially the youth and younger people. I feel we lose out on many people who could be assets to our community because of a lack of resources. I also feel our youth could use more activities. I don't necessarily mean entertainment, although they could use more of that too. I'm glad that more things have opened up recently. I think we could benefit from more school related activities, but this also seems to be improving. I guess all in all, progress has been made, but we still have a ways to go.

Q: If you could be a character in any book, who would you be and why?

A: Speaking of characters, I always said my "Plan B" was to play Aladdin at Disney. I actually auditioned for the live action movie, but not sure if they even saw my tape, ha. I would still like to do something like that. I recently finished acting in a Star Wars fan film, which was an awesome experience to say the least. I had a fun character to portray. It should be coming out this year.

Q: How would your closest friends describe you, if they had to do so in one word?

A: One word? Caring or kind. I do my best to invest in others and make sure I can help when I can. I can also be a bit goofy too, but not sure anyone else knows that (sarcasm, for sure).

Q: Describe your favorite childhood memory. What made it so memorable?

A: This may seem strange, but one of my favorite vivid memories is sitting on the steps of my childhood home, while the sun warmed my face. It's so simple, but the carefree moment when nothing mattered but just being, was beautiful. That seems like a lifetime ago. I still try to find those moments, but with such a busy schedule, it gets harder and harder to accomplish.

Q: If you could go anywhere, where would it be and why?

A: This has changed over the years and will probably change tomorrow. Currently I would love to go on an actual family vacation, maybe to Disney world or something like that. My son would love it.

Q: What can make you laugh harder than anything else?

A: I love to laugh, it's one of my favorite things to do. I think the funniest thing is when you start laughing about something and keep making it more and more ridiculous until tears come and it's hard to breathe. I find humor in most things - which can be a good and a bad thing – but I feel if you can find the joy in life, you are doing alright.

Q: If you could eat dinner with anyone from history, who would you choose? Why?

A: That's a tough question. There are many people who I would love to share a meal with, and learn their thoughts and perspectives. However, currently, I would love to have a meal with my mom and sister. I would love for them to meet Lucas. I would love to hear stories about things I never asked or have forgotten. I would also like to check in and just let them know that even though life is hard without them, I have a good family and friends who make this life much more meaningful. I think I would also like to meet my biological family if they are alive. I have no info on them at all, but that could be interesting.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

A: I have actually received a lot of good advice from a lot of good people. A few quotes come to mind: "Be stubborn about your goals, but flexible about your methods," and, "Every expert was once a beginner."

These ideas help ground me. No matter what, you can accomplish what you set out to do as long as you keep going. You also don't have to be perfect right off the bat.

One other thing that stands out is to make sure you prioritize the right stuff.

I may sound a bit like Forrest Gump when I say this, but my mom always told me to put God first in all I do and the rest would follow. Good words to live by, sometimes easier said than done, but it's all a process.

 
 
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