My name is Samantha Jagroop and I manage a luxury, high-end shoe store.
I’m from Aranguez, in San Juan. Born and grew up there. I’m not sure if it’s presently at the same state but, fortunately or unfortunately, Aranguez has a bit of a reputation as a drug area. But I felt safe growing up there.
I have two brothers, no sisters, and I’m the eldest. So I’m totally spoiled. And I get the best of both worlds, as the eldest, too. My brothers, Elvis and Rocky, are 29 and 27.
We’re a real Hollywood family. The old TV show, Bewtiched, was before my time, but maybe not before my parents’ time.
I saw fights when I went to Barataria Secondary Comprehensive School but nothing compared to now. Fighting is like a subject at school now. I would go back to school if I could: no bills; no worries.
I want children one day—but it would have to be soon. Because I feel like I’m running out of time. I am currently in a relationship. About two years now. Now, relationships last, like, two months, three months. But I wouldn’t do that.
My Old Year’s Night is normally home with close friends and family. We cook and relax. My sister-in-law normally does most of the cooking.
Nowadays, reading is a thing of the past. If people read at all today, it’s on their phone.
I don’t have much free time. My job is not demanding but the hours are long—mall hours. Mostly on a weekend, I’ll watch movies.
Romantic comedies, definitely, but action, too. That’s not a boyfriend influence, that’s me. Give me Vin Diesel. But I’m not a Fast & Furious girl. Neither slow & serene. My friend Neisha says I’m definitely furious!
My best quality is I’m very caring, a very softhearted person. I feel sorry fast. And a lot. I’ll watch a homeless person and give them the last dollar I have.
I adore makeup. love to explore different “looks” with it.
I don’t have pets personally, but my brother has two parrots, my niece has a rabbit, and our dog, Chubby, has been in the family for over ten years. My sister-in-law has a cat who sleeps with her in her bed! It don’t make sense for me to bring home another pet!
I used to work in a music store and I listen to and love every genre: parang; hip hop; reggae; everything! I used to buy a lot of music but I don’t anymore. Young people just download music nowadays, they don’t pay for it. That’s one of the reasons I don’t work in a music store any more.
I used to sell, and listen to, jointpop CDs when I worked in Sound Research. I’m really proud they’ve been selected to go to South by Southwest in Austin.
I play mas every year. I mix it up with Fantasy and Harts. I listen to Luis Hart on the radio all the time. It’s the most appropriate station. And he’s professional.
I love to pack a cooler and go to Maracas Beach with my friend, Neisha, and sister-in-law, Lerana. The ambience and the sea breeze. And the bake-and-shark.
Christmas is my favourite time of year. It used to be Carnival but I skipped last Carnival.
I’ve been working in the shoe store for almost five years. It’s a nice experience. I think every woman loves shoes.
My responsibilities are to make sure I sell a lot of shoes—and that customers are happy with their purchases! It’s a nice feeling, when you help a client get something to match their outfit.
There isn’t a bad part of the job. My bosses are really nice. Maybe just the mall hours. Christmas time is busy but I like that. The time passes faster. And you help more people.
The crime rate is overbearing now. I don’t club or go out any more because I don’t feel safe. You’re not even safe in your own home now. And it’s getting worse.
Everything for a Trini is a fete: parang; Carnival; Christmas. They like excuses to make a lime.
Trinidad & Tobago means home to me. I love being here. Despite all the negativities, I would rather be here than anywhere else.
I love my country.
n Read a longer version of this feature at www.BCRaw.com