Speaker shares drug dealing experiences

A former drug dealer shared with students Monday how his life changed drastically when he served a two-year jail sentence for drug dealing.

Raphael Saler, a middle school P.E. teacher in Pennsylvania, was in disbelief when police officers came to his house to arrest him for drug dealing. He had gotten into drugs in high school at parties, but his habit really took off once he graduated from college.

"It was interesting to hear how much he knew about [drugs] and related to college students and partying," junior Ashlyn McKeithan said.

While Saler was working as a teacher, on Friday and Saturday nights, he would hit up the clubbing scenes with his friends to take drugs such as ecstasy.

Joe Bertolino was the Greek Advisor at East Stroudsburg University when Saler attended, and ended up being one of the most supportive people in Saler’s life. He and Bertolino met a lot during their time together at school, and became very close. After graduation, they stayed in touch.

Saler got busted by police for delivering $300 worth of cocaine to a friend.

Saler spent two "gut-punching" years in jail, from 1998 to 2000. It was during these two years that Bertolino visited Saler every Sunday to check up on him. Their friendship grew and with time, they reinstated the bond they once had.

Saler now is on his way to living somewhat of a normal life.However, he is a convicted felon.

"It’s so sad that this will always follow him and his family," sophomore Carrie Rhodes said.

Saler is on probation until 2007 and, until then, he must check into every police station of a city he visits.

Bertolino and Saler say the most important thing is to educate yourself about the laws, and realize that this can happen to anyone.

Bertolino and Saler encourage all students to seek help if they, or a friend, need help. Resources on campus include the University Health Center, resident adviser staff and public safety staff.