Raul "Papo" Santiago:
CLASS OF 1978
Paterson Eastside High SchoolClass of 1978
Paterson, NJ
Raul "Papo"'s Story
Greetings friends and former classmates! First of all, let's give thanks to God, for you are, as am I, alive at the mid-century mark and beyond. A quick second for those who haven't, for they are many, to include two of my younger brothers who succumbed to street life.
I've been asked to tell my story. Where can I begin...I guess it's best since high school... No, let me back up a bit. If any of you remember, I got left back in '78. Actually, there was two of us, me and brother Johnny. I won't mention his last name in case he lied to y'all about graduating on time. Anyway, while everyone was partying and graduating, Johnny and I made a promise to come back and push each other and get our diplomas, which we did. This was big for me because it was the first actual goal I made that I accomplished. Class of '79 used to bug on us saying we weren't just seniors, we were "Super Seniors" commemorating our drive for five...years, that is.
May '79. I'm sitting at Roberto Clemente Park wondering what I'm going to do with myself. Can't go to college, lucky I've gotten this far. Job? One of the local factories or supermarkets? Sell illegal substances? No future. Decided I was going to be a Marine like a few of my boys that went to the service . I marched to the recruiter's office above the post office on Straight St. into the Marine recruiters office and...no one there. Damn! I can't even join the Marines! I go down the hall and I see Army. I go in and get mugged by three recruiters. Took the test, got results, took the oath, and it was on! I was out July 9, 1979 and to Ft. Dix, NJ for basic, which was cool. I remember when I went to pick up my diploma as I didn't march with Class of '79, an adminstrator looked at me and asked me, "So what are you going to do now, sell drugs in the corner?" True word. I looked at her and I said very proudly that ...Expand for more
I had enlisted in the Army and was leaving right after the 4th of July to serve my country (and go out with a bang). I do recall with clarity the b-word ending the previous sentence.
My military career ran through January 1990. My job was that of a military paralegal in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, the real JAG, not that junk on TV. That was great because as a kid I wanted to be a lawyer (among other things). What an experience! I was fortunate to have been stationed throughout the United States, Europe and Greece and met some great people along the way. Even got to spend a year in the Central American jungle.
Those that think that moving to Florida is the bomb, think twice. Unless you are a millionaire, disabled, or elderly, what I mean is a steady income, you really have to hustle out here and be extremely flexible. Florida is not a pot of gold. As hospitality is the main attraction here, Disney is king. The tanking of the housing market did some serious damage. Over 1.1 million Floridians out of work, and I'm talking people with masters and more. So all of y'all that are planning to come down for vacation hurry on up as the State needs your money!!
Personally, I have been happily divorced since 1995. My only child just became a corrections officer, so she's working on a future for her three kids, my grandkids. This was her big goal and I got to experience it with her.
I know there's a huge time gap, but gotta leave some mystery. Further time events and confirmations may be made available upon request, and depending on who makes the request, of course.
Lot's of love to all. Remember to take a minute, breathe deeply, and thank God. If not Him, then whatever empowers you, but take that time. Take time for yourself for you are worth it. Don't forget that laughter can cure what ails you. So smile a while. Peace... and be blessed.
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