Скачать или смотреть Veteran Sharon Chaplain's story -Learning what it means to serve and persevere firsthand

Students at Wolcott Street School had the opportunity to meet Sharon Chaplain, a local veteran of the United States Air Force who served in the military abroad and at home in the early 90s.

Sharon spoke with students at Wolcott Street School in two assemblies, telling her story of learning to make a difference and perseverance.

"I grew up and I was quiet and I felt like I couldn't make a difference, I wasn't encouraged a lot. I don't want kids to feel that way, they can make a difference no matter what, they can do what they want to do," says Sharon.

Veterans are living history says Sharon. She says it's important to hear their stories in person as many of these stories can never be found in books or online. She also says she would have never made it through her deployment without encouragement from her Gates Chili Pen Pal Alice, who was only in 3rd grade when she corresponded with Sharon in the early 90s while she was in South Korea.

"Everybody should have a cheerleader, adults too. Everybody should have someone that believes in them. Sometimes it's your best friend, hopefully it's your spouse, or your parents, but sometimes it isn't. If you don't have a cheerleader, you can be your own cheerleader. Look what I did, I never in a million years, no way am I going to make it through this and I did."

Sharon is currently the Treasurer of the Monroe County American Legion and a member of the Finance Council. She also works as a bookkeeper when she is not speaking to students. Sheron graduated from Cal-Mum High School and attended Wolcott Street School in 3rd grade.

While she was attending St. John Fisher College, working on her bachelor of arts degree in Communications, she enlisted with the Air Force to serve her country. She also holds and MBA in Accounting and Business Management.

Thank you for your service Sharon Chaplain, and for sharing your story with students.