Julius Wilson:
CLASS OF 1983
Robert E. Lee High SchoolClass of 1983
Houston, TX
Cullen Junior High SchoolClass of 1980
Houston, TX
Cullen Junior High SchoolClass of 1980
Houston, TX
Julius's Story
From Whidby Elementary to Ezekiel W. Cullen JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (sorry new school—-- us older heads will always remember it as a, “Junior High”, versus Middle School)-- and I'll always be class of 1980 CULLEN BOBCAT PROUD!!!
Moving forward, and for the longest time, I was somewhat conflicted about moving from the old neighborhood, attending, graduating, and being a proud alumni of Robert E. Lee HS (hell, I was supposed to be at Jack Yates, then Texas Southern University; and finally, replacing Ed Bradley as one of the world’s best news correspondents)!!!.
As a hotshot newspaper editor at Cullen, and then moving to Lee's district; only to be denied a shot at what I loved most-- WRITING... A slanted, blatantly racist, journalism teacher, or rather 'pretender' at Lee derailed my journalism career!!!
No anger intended as of now, but when you're young, impressionable, and eager to get ahead; the worst thing a supposedly, 'older adult' can do; is mislead. (And), I'm being, “nicely professional”, by calling this demented individual “slanted”; "racist"... Yes, I was eager back then, and made a summer time visit to what would be my new school (Lee), only to be told by this outright LIAR- that ALL journalism courses were filled (so in short, I never saw the Journalism classroom, and Lee missed out on a DAMN EXCEPTIONAL talent).
I can truly say that faith, having the utmost of self-confidence, and time- changes
thing (heals wounds).
As an adult, and now having taken a more, 'panoramic', and worldly view of life, I can say that attending Lee made me a much more prepared, and focused person for life itself. Although my goal was to continue in the world of journalism at Lee; it was not to be, and thus I found a home within the ROTC unit there (no regrets; and in fact- I met some of the world's finest people).
Fast forward to the NOW; and I've had the opportunity to travel the world, learn different languages, obtain dual degrees (Computer Science, and Business / with honors), carve out a notable career in the Information Technology arena (as a corporate manager), and eventually moved to owning my own business... Again, Life's Good!
Make no mistake, I still...Expand for more
love to write, and do so for several outlets (yes - writing was, and still is a passion). Lee could NEVER take that (nor my history-infused beliefs and determinations) away!
For those who remember me-- I still maintain a faith-based passion of, "giving back" to those deemed less fortunate. In the same vein, I’m also still that same, semi-rebel,
“no BS-taking” guy as well - No Excuses!!! I've been blessed with a beautiful life, to include, three equally beautiful kids (all much smarter than me; and all college educated). Like so many that can be derailed, and at an early age, there's not a day that's passed, where I don't give thanks for having both- maintained my sanity, and achieved a certain level of life's success...
Did I say that, "Life's Very Good?"
Though I'm no longer living in the Houston area...I'm still a diehard Texans, Rockets, and Astros fan (sure- it ticks the locals off that I root against their team; but you can't buy dedication).
Coming full-circle, it was great to FINALLY attend my first, Lee HS (30 year) reunion. Again, I once swore, and because of certain “practices” that were abound at Lee Sr. High, that I'd never attend a Lee reunion, or acknowledge ever being an alum. I've since apologized to several friends for always vehemently declining anything to do with Lee HS. I also had to apologize to my own mom, and for throwing the Lee HS class ring (which we both worked so hard for); in the Thames River, and while living in England (1984). -- Again, sorry mom.
Honestly, I’m glad I finally attended a Lee reunion, as it gave me the opportunity to see some of the good people that made my years there great (especially my good friend, Mr. Van Coggins; a few of the debate team members, and most anyone associated with Lee ROTC).
On a closing chapter -- I sincerely wish the entire alumni of Lee HS, and their families the absolute best! Likewise, and because a great majority of my Cullen Jr. High alumni most likely graduated from Jack Yates Sr. High; I too wish you the utmost, and absolute best!
Very Respectfully,
Julius Wilson (aka “Jay”)
(Proud, Former Editor, Cullen Jr. High Bobcat Power - FIRST)
R.E. Lee Alumni, class of '83
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