Claresa Tatum (Smith):
CLASS OF 1973
Castlemont High SchoolClass of 1973
Oakland, CA
Claresa's Story
When I look back at my life, I would say Castlemont leaves memories of my entry into adulthood. My high school days were bittersweet, but they helped me grow into the person that I am today. Academically, I didn't give it my all, and that was something that always haunted me. Frustrated with my life, October 1979, I enlisted in the Air Force. It was nothing I had really planned to do, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I made in life. I met people and lived in places I probably would have never seen, including Germany and England. What started off as a 4 year enlistment, turned into a 20 year career. But even after that, I still did not feel fulfilled. I always felt I had the potential and obligation to get my degree. I had taken college courses throughout the years, but never knew what I wanted to do as a profession. To make a long story short, I ended up earning a bachelor degree in nursing in 2001. Nursing was not a field I had ever thought about, but I am grateful I did it. Again, by doing so, I have met and taken care of ...Expand for more
many who I never would have known otherwise. And now, as our 40 year reunion approaches, I am in awe
that so much time has passed. Where has all the time gone?? It seems like not too many years ago, I roamed the halls of Castlemont High. I remember so many faces and names of those who are now precious memories of my past. Once teenagers, most of us are now parents and grandparents. This is a milestone for me, as it should be for everyone who is still here. I have now settled in Fort Worth, Texas, but I will do my best to be a part of this reunion.
It would be so good to just see everybody. Before I end, I must mention that I do have two wonderful children. My daughter is 32, also an RN. And my son, like his mom, is on his way to the Air Force. My husband is the same person I dated in high school, imagine that. My immediate family (mom, dad, sister and brother) have all passed on, so therefore I don't come back to Oakland often. But no matter where I go and who I meet, I proudly say I am from Oakland, CA; because that is where it all began.
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