PROFILE: DEL PAPEL

Born Sylvia Fidela Arroyo, Del as she is fondly called, came from a big family of 4 brothers and 2 sisters, and lived most of her growing-up years in Manila, Philippines. She attended high school from the University of Santo Tomas Education High School, and received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the same university. To finance her college education, she worked as a Ward Clerk at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital.

After graduation, she seized the opportunity offered by her paternal aunt to be a companion in London, England and the chance to travel. After two years of stay with her aunt and utilized her time in England, Del decided to go back to school and enrolled at St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing. She was happy of the program offered by the school where the students received compensation while on training. After completion of her studies and passing the State Board exam, Del joined the staff of a medical-surgical unit of the same hospital.

Del met her future husband, Nes Papel, a DKCS, USN stationed at Command Naval Activities, United Kingdom. After 18 months of courtship and dating, they married at St. George’s Catholic Church on October 14, 1978, followed by a two week honeymoon in Italy and Spain. Del continued to work as a nurse until the end of her husband’s tour of duty.

Their marriage took them four (4) more duty stations in Rota, Spain, Patuxent River, Maryland; Sigonella, Sicily, and back to London, England for another 4 years of tour of duty. It was at this duty station that Del’s husband made a decision to retire from the service. They chose Jacksonville, Florida to raise their very young family. The warm climate, in contrast to the cold and breezy weather in England; and beaches played a role in their decision to live in this state.

Del worked for the State of Florida for 12 years in various positions moving from one level up to another: Public Assistant Specialist, Human Services Analyst and as Senior Counselor for Children and Families – Adoption Services. She has since retired from civil service, and is now a full-time Licensed Real Estate professional with Century 21 Atkins Realty, Inc. She is also a part-time substitute teacher in the school system within Duval County, and volunteers at St. Joseph’s Church Gift Shop once a month.

Both Del and Nes, are very much involved not only with the Filipino-American community, but with other Asian-American communities as well. They strongly support and are passionate of projects and activities that concern the welfare of the whole minority group.

Married for 28 years, Nes and Del have three daughters: Liezel, a Registered Nurse employed by NAS Naval Hospital; Lori – a Juris Doctor candidate in May, 2007 from Loyola University, School of Law; and Lalaine – a junior music major from University of Florida. They make their home in Mandarin.