Meet Margarita Santiago
Why Staten Island?
Staten Island is home. All I need is right here on the island.
How long have you been living on Staten Island?
I’ve been on Staten Island all of my life. I moved away to Florida for four years and when I felt it was time to move back to New York, I chose to return to Staten Island.
Pros and Cons to living on Staten Island as a Latina.
I love living on Staten Island, because it offers a quiet, affordable living while remaining close to Brooklyn, Manhattan and New Jersey. Staten Island has just about everything that you need shopping, dining, recreational activities, great doctors and schools. It is also the safest borough with the lowest crime rate.
The one big con of living in Staten Island, as a Latina, is that the Latino presence isn’t felt. There are some areas on S.I. that gives you a small taste of our culture, but the majority of the island does not cater to our culture. There are so many Latino’s here on the island but we don’t see each other because we don’t have activities and groups that can bring us together.
If you could change anything about Staten Island, what would it be?
I believe that the biggest problem on S.I. is the over population of the island. I remember being a little girl on S.I. and anywhere I turned there was open, lush spaces with trees and green pastures. Now I look to those areas and I see blocks of townhomes. The development of townhomes on S.I. has gotten out of hand and it has affected the traffic, schools and ability to purchase a home on S.I. The one other thing I would love to bring to Staten Island would be a greater presence of our culture. We could use a “fritura” spot on the island for starters…lol
Do you have any favorite things to do on the isle that you recommend?
I love the beach! I especially love rollerblading and running on the boardwalk. I would recommend a day at the beach regardless of the weather.We have some wonderful parks to spend the day at. A few are Clove Lakes, Silver Lake, Gateway and Wolfe’s Pond Parks. They are spread all over the island offer a variety of recreational activities for the entire family. A day at the Staten Island Zoo, The Staten Island Botanical Gardens, or the Chocolate Candy Factory will wear you out so pack your energy for those trips. The Showplace Bowling alley has been renovated and is a great to bowl a couple of games. If dancing is more up to your speed, there are Salsa dance classes being offered at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Saturdays for all levels. I tell you from experience, it’s a great way to get your Saturday going. There are some wonderful restaurants to dine at on S.I., Carmen’s and Italianissimo being two of my favorite. My newest discovery is the Museaum of Tibetian Art located at Lighthouse Hill. It’s a small but beautiful place. In the spring the meditation garden has an amazing view.
Tell us about your 2007 goals.
One of the goals I’ve already begun preparing for is winning the title of Ms. Galaxy 2007. There’s a lot of preparation ahead of me to get to the nationals so that will take up most of my time. I will also be concentrating on the entertaining aspect of my career. I’ve got a few projects on the way and a couple of classes that I would like to attend. I’d also like to pick up a lot more volunteer work in my community. I’ve had the honor of working with the great organizations like American Diabietes Association and Tuesday’s Children and would love to continue that work.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Living life is my greatest accomplishment. I was in a near fatal car accident less than two years ago and instead of wallowing in misery, which would’ve been the easy thing to do, I chose to live instead. I was able to turn that experience into a positive one, and appreciate the miracle of my life. The experience put my whole being through the test, and it showed me exactly what I am made of. Being able to come through that experience with a positive outlook was the greatest accomplishment for me.
